Best 22 – round one
B: Dylan Grimes, Alex Rance, Nick Vlastuin
HB: Brandon Ellis, David Astbury, Bachar Houli
C:, Shaun Grigg, Dustin Martin, Shane Edwards
HF: Kane Lambert, Jack Riewoldt, Dan Butler
F: Jacob Townsend, Josh Caddy, Shai Bolton
Foll: Toby Nankervis, Trent Cotchin, Dion Prestia
I/C: Kamdyn McIntosh, Jack Graham, Jason Castagna, Jayden Short
Emerg: Sam Lloyd, Anthony Miles, Reece Conca, Ivan Soldo
2017 best and fairest top three
- Dustin Martin
- Alex Rance
- Kane Lambert
Injury list
Premiership midfielder Dion Prestia is the Tigers' immediate concern as he fights to recover from a hamstring problem. Defender Bachar Houli, who has a calf concern, is also under a cloud but more likely to play in round one. Small forward Daniel Rioli (foot) has long been ruled out for the opening rounds, but Shai Bolton is an excellent replacement. Ruckman Shaun Hampson needs long-term management for a back disc problem that has restricted his training significantly.
The big questions
Can the Tigers maintain the magic that drove them in 2017?
Last year's premiership was the result of relationships and culture as much as a small forward line and Dustin Martin's rise. Programs like the HHH sessions had a massive impact on the club last year, but will the dynamic be the same in 2018?
Can Dusty keep his crown as the game's best player?
Patrick Dangerfield and Nat Fyfe are coming for the brilliant Tiger, with personal pride and competitiveness driving the superstar pair, who have each been recognised as the game's best in the past three seasons. Dusty can get better, and isolating him forward more could take his game to another level.
Is the small forward line here to stay?
What started out of necessity at Tigerland could become a trend across the competition. But how long will it last? Star forward Jack Riewoldt shouldered a big load magnificently last season, but surely the time will come where he needs more aerial support.
Look for…
Corey Ellis to carve out a role in the best 22 at some point. After three seasons, the time is now for Ellis to step up and play regular senior football. The 21-year-old has played 23 games and, after battling a groin issue early in the pre-season, has looked good on the track. He is among the best ball-users on the list and Damien Hardwick has been waiting for him to force his way in.
Look for Corey Ellis to hold down a spot in Richmond's best 22 this year. Picture: AFL Photos
Who they play
The Tigers are back in primetime but with a tougher draw after last year's flag. The premiers play eight games on Thursday or Friday nights, and will be at the MCG for six of their first seven games. The cons include tougher double-up matches, playing Adelaide, Geelong, Essendon, St Kilda and Collingwood twice. They also host Sydney at Etihad Stadium, which will frustrate the MCG's biggest-drawing tenant.
Fantasy cash cow
Shai Bolton ($241,000/FWD) is the man here, given he will almost certainly be given an opportunity in round one. The question is whether he can hold his spot long enough to make Fantasy coaches the profit needed to justify his selection. He is nicely priced and scored 59 and 54 in his two JLT Community Series games.
Sudden impact
Draft steal Jack Higgins is the new recruit best prepared to have an impact in 2017. It might be a cameo like Jack Graham's – he can only hope – but when he gets his chance he is expected to impress. Patrick Naish will also be on the coaches' minds if outside run-and-carry becomes an issue.
Jack Higgins shapes as a draft steal for the premiers. Picture: AFL Photos
Pressure rating on the coach
Man of the hour. Contracted to the end of 2021, Damien Hardwick is the game's in-form coach after leading the Tigers' to their first premiership in 37 years. He'll reach the end of his current deal as the club's longest serving coach, surpassing Tom Hafey and Jack Dyer.
The 2017 habit the Tigers must kick…
Too many dirty inside 50s. The Tigers play a territory game and ranked No.3 for average forward entries last year. There is a lot to be said for their surge style, but they scored from 45.5 per cent of their inside 50s (ranked 14th) and would benefit from more clean entries.
The Tigers will have a good year if…
Dustin Martin kicks 40-50 goals. It will mean the midfield is holding up while the Brownlow medallist is forward and opposition backlines are Martin-centric, allowing the Tigers' small forwards to also wreak havoc.
They’re in trouble if …
Jack Riewoldt goes down with injury. The small forward line was only able to function last year because of the selfless game Riewoldt played. Without him, the Tigers would need to turn to a young tall and it's hard to see the ball coming to ground for the smalls as much as it did in 2017.
Pass mark
Top four. From there anything can happen, but Richmond is a leading contender in 2018 and will be shooting for back-to-back premierships.
AFL.com.au predicted ladder finish: 4th
Player Ratings star
Captain Trent Cotchin started 2017 ranked No.39 overall and finished a brilliant season at No.15. He is the Tigers' second ranked player, behind Dustin Martin (No.2) and ahead of Alex Rance (No.22).
