On the eve of the 2015 season, we look at each of Richmond’s playing lines. Today, it’s the forwards.
Shane Edwards: Will play both forward and midfield again after a strong summer, which has seen him grow as a leader and take on mentoring roles with the club's young forwards. As part of his development, the 26-year-old has taken small forward training drills. Given his clean bill of health, the club expects his output to lift in 2015.
Nathan Gordon: The half-forward is one of the club's best runners and he impressed early in the summer with his endurance testing. He hasn't missed a beat since and is gaining confidence he belongs at the top level, which the club believes is key to him taking the next step.
Ben Griffiths: Looking leaner after a big summer working on his running ability and repeat speed. One of the Tigers' main candidates to take his game to a new level, he has taken his form and confidence from the end of last year onto the training track. Missed short periods late in the summer with sore spots, but otherwise has a clean bill of health.
Richmond list assessment: Midfielders
Chris Knights: After two seasons ruined by injury, Knights has encouraged the Tigers through his third pre-season at the club, which has built-up slowly. Showed in the opening pre-season match that he has regained confidence in his body, kicking two goals.
Sam Lloyd: The small forward has focused on the defensive aspects of his game this pre-season, with improved fitness helping him make gains with his tackling pressure. He is noticeably leaner and should be capable of pushing up the ground more in 2015.
Liam McBean: The lightly built tall forward has spent the summer gaining strength and working on his ability to hold his ground in contests. Contested marking and endurance have been other focuses for the 20-year-old, who has been injured the past two pre-seasons and is pushing for a regular spot in the Tigers' forward line.
Reece McKenzie: A powerful young key forward, McKenzie has become noticeably leaner through his first pre-season. Boasting elite speed and strong hands, he is exciting the Tigers on the track but the club is keeping its expectations in check. Jack Riewoldt and Ivan Maric are mentoring the 18-year-old.
Richmond list assessment: Defenders
Jack Riewoldt: Enjoyed one of his best summers on the track after avoiding post-season surgery for the first time in five years. Has completed every phase and impressed in practice games, winning his share of contests with key defenders and kicking well. Club encouraged by his output.
Jayden Short: After playing mostly on a wing at underage level, Short has moved between the midfield, forward and back groups in his first pre-season. He played forward in the Tigers' first pre-season match, showcasing some desperate defensive traits.
Ty Vickery: The tall forward has focused on his aerobic capacity this pre-season and shown improvement. Outstanding form in practice matches has teammates backing him for a big year after suspension sidelined him at the end of 2014. A forthright teammate, he has grown as a leader among the tall forwards.
