One of the main reasons why the Tigers have been unable to crack the eight has to do with their percentage. Since the beginning of the new century Richmond have attained a percentage of over 100% on only one occasion - that was the last time they played finals, 2001.
It’s not a coincidence; to be honest it’s actually quite simple.
You win a few, you lose a few…you get belted in a few and you’ll be sitting out September. This is a fact. It’s only round seven but right now Richmond’s percentage is unbelievably healthy. What makes this percentage more impressive revolves around the idea that the Tigers have already played most of 2011’s top finals contenders. If Richmond can maintain this competitiveness and hold a strong percentage at years end, they may make the finals for the first time since 2001.
Richmond’s Percentage every year since 2000
2012 - 106.27% (After Seven Rounds)
2011 - 86.35% (No Finals)
2010 - 73.00% (No Finals)
2009 - 74.29% (No Finals)
2008 - 97.38% (No Finals)
2007 - 77.18% (No Finals)
2006 - 86.15% (No Finals)
2005 - 92.33% (No Finals)
2004 - 69.24% (No Finals)
2003 - 88.84% (No Finals)
2002 - 82.92% (No Finals)
2001 - 107.75% (Finals)
2000 - 93.11% (No Finals)
Richmond’s conceding only 83 points a game on average. The Tigers defense hasn’t conceded at that competitive level since 1969. Yes people we’re talking the Tommy Hafey era.
The signs are strong, the statistics are beginning to collect themselves and you feel the sleeping giant’s gradually getting out of his coma. This Richmond side has improved considerably since Damien Hardwick’s first season, every year Richmond is improving. If the improvement continues to develop at this rate, we’ll finally be challenging for a premiership. Won’t that just be amazing? One step at a time of course, let’s keep increasing that percentage, it will better our chances of a top eight birth.
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