WHEN AFL.com.au last previewed Richmond's season, our predicted ladder finish was ... somewhat off the mark.
In our defence, we weren't the only ones. Voting in a poll on the same 2017 season preview, supporters were more optimistic but still only eight per cent anticipated the top four finish Damien Hardwick's men would deliver.
With Richmond's 11th premiership in the cabinet after September's Grand Final fairytale, this time around it's a different story.
Giving their take on their side's prospects in AFL.com.au's pre-season survey, 21 per cent of Tiger fans believed they would top the ladder in 2018, while 88 per cent predicted they would hold their place in the top four.
Asked to identify Richmond's biggest weakness, a lack of support for Grand Final hero Jack Riewoldt was fans' recurring theme. The Tigers have few experienced back-up talls, and fans fear their side could be exposed as toothless in attack if Riewoldt was sidelined.
Here are the survey results, plus a selection of Tiger fans' responses.
What's the Tigers' weakest spot on the park?
Lack of depth in the forward line. Any injuries to Riewoldt would create issues. Fast tracking of Noah Balta is critical.
- William Henderson, Toowoomba Qld
Height. While obviously Richmond plays small and fast, if Jack was injured for a while we would be stuffed.
- Jimi Fawcett, Walmer Vic
We need another genuine key forward to take the load off Jack. Callum Moore and Mabior Chol could be the keys to our season.
- Tom Archer, Point Lonsdale Vic
Backline depth. We have three of the best key defenders in the game in Rance, Astbury and Grimes. However it is hard to see who could replace one of the three should they miss a game.
- Connor Golledge, Reservoir Vic
It'll be a great year if ...
... our defence stays tight and injury free, our ruck/midfield dominate play and our forwards turn pressure into goals. Oh, and another flag in 2018.
- Dylan Feduniw, Geelong Vic
... the hunger and passion is still there and the tackling pressure goes to another level. The next tier must improve: Jack Graham, Dan Butler, Jason Castagna, Nathan Broad, Kamdyn McIntosh.
Ben Hicks, Mt Warren Park Qld
... we can find an emerging tall or two to help both Rance in defence and Riewoldt in attack. So far Noah Balta is looking like a good match and so is Mabior Chol.
- Dan Spilar, Noosa Qld
... the kids from the draft come through and have a big impact. And if a Trent Cotchin has a year like his finals series.
- Noah Clark, Leongatha Vic
What's your dream headline in 2018?
'Back to Back for the Yellow and Black'
- Anne Clements, Blackburn Vic
'Tigers eat 'em alive again'
- Peter Bourchier, Nar Nar Goon North Vic
-Bookies pay out on Dusty Brownlow after round 15'
- Andrew Read, Cranbourne North Vic
What's the headline you secretly dread?
'One hit wonders'
- Erin Blake, Cranbourne Vic
'Richmond finish ninth'
- Shane Renolds, Darwin NT
'Hangover curse strikes again'
- Jasper Gnomes, Sandringham Vic
Read more fans' season previews
• Adelaide: Bryce is nice, but backline the worry
• Brisbane: 50 goals for Eric and no spoon, please
• Collingwood: From 13th to a premiership?
• Essendon: Are the bolstered Bombers the complete Package?
• Fremantle: Forward line, forward line, forward line
• Geelong: Grand designs for Gaz's return
• Gold Coast: Key Sun is also fans' biggest dread
• GWS: Time for one Giant leap
• Melbourne: Just make the finals. And beat North
• North Melbourne: Hope for improvement, fear the worst
• Port Adelaide: One sure way to avoid elimination final heartbreak
