SNAPSHOT
Coach: Damien Hardwick
Captain: Chris Newman
Finished 2009: 15th (five wins, 16 losses, one draw)
Best and fairest: Brett Deledio
Leading goalkicker: Mitch Morton (41 goals)
Leading possession winner: Brett Deledio (533)
NEW PERSONNEL
On-field: Mitch Farmer (traded from Port Adelaide), Dustin Martin, Ben Griffiths, David Astbury, Matt Dea, Troy Taylor, Jeromey Webberley, Ben Nason (NAB AFL Draft), Dylan Grimes (NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft), Robert Hicks, Pat Contin, Relton Roberts, Nick Westhoff, Graham Polak, Jamie O'Reilly (NAB AFL Rookie Draft)
Off-field: Damien Hardwick (senior coach), Brendon Lade (ruck/stoppage coach), Justin Leppitsch (backline coach), Danny Daly (forwards coach), David Newett (development/VFL coach), Tim Clarke (development coach)
BEST 22
B: Kelvin Moore, Will Thursfield, Shane Edwards
HB: Daniel Connors, Luke McGuane, Chris Newman
C: Trent Cotchin, Nathan Foley, Matt White
HF: Ben Cousins, Jack Riewoldt, Richard Tambling
F: Mitch Morton, Graham Polak, Robin Nahas
Foll: Troy Simmonds, Brett Deledio, Daniel Jackson
I/C: Angus Graham, Dustin Martin, Andrew Collins, Alex Rance
MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER
Brett Deledio. It's not because he's flashy, but because the Tigers are a better team when he's playing well. Deledio has won the last two best and fairest awards at Richmond, and topped the possession count last year. He's working hard to become an attacking midfielder who can also defend when needed.
UP AND COMER
Dustin Martin, the third pick overall in last year's draft, showed in the NAB Cup opener he's ready to go. Playing against Hawthorn in Launceston, Martin was at his best early when the game was at its hottest. He tired later but still finished with the most possessions for the Tigers.
NEEDS A BIG YEAR
Jordan McMahon is entering the final season of a three-year deal struck by former coach Terry Wallace. Drafted by the Western Bulldogs with the 10th pick in the 2000 draft, McMahon has never lived up to the promise. With a new coaching crew that values good decision-making and kicking very highly, the 26-year-old will have to make significant improvements to ensure his future at Punt Road.
CHANGING TACK
If the Tigers have learned anything from 2009, it's to not get too far ahead of themselves. Tipped to make the top eight last year, they only finished ahead of Melbourne. New coach Damien Hardwick has promised a simplified game plan, which is a positive step with a team as youthful as the Tigers. The basic team structure remains the same, with the key defenders and forwards remaining, but the injection of Dustin Martin and a fit Trent Cotchin and Nathan Foley into the middle will help considerably. Jake King has spent the summer training with the forwards, and watch for David Astbury and Ben Griffiths to be given AFL time up there.
INJURY LIST
Nathan Foley (ankle) - 3 weeks
Ben Griffiths (shoulder) - TBA
WHAT THE CLUB SAYS
"I suppose you'd call it more of a transformation of the list. It is exciting to bring in 14 new players onto a list. We are a young squad and going forward I think we can build on that squad." - senior coach Damien Hardwick
CRYSTAL BALL
This year is going to be tough for Richmond supporters, but on the upside, they're used to it. A horror 2009 saw a new coach and a clean-out of the list, with 14 new players added. The Tigers are favourites to take out the wooden spoon so, once again, supporters will have to look to the development of the kids.
SEASON OPENER
March 25 v Carlton at the MCG.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
