It’s the bottom line for 2012, but we’re investing for the next golden era of success at the club. That era doesn’t end in 2012 - Brendon Gale’s ambitious plan culminates with three premierships by 2020. Richmond rank third in the competition for disposals. Our problem has nothing to do with actually getting the ball. We’re also top four in contested possession and inside fifties. Journalists and fans say that we’re not winning because when the game is there to be won we choke. The truth is that we’re dominating the momentum of the match during most occasions against the opposition. Our defense prevents the opposition from scoring better than it has since 1967. Richmond’s midfield leads the competition in disposals and contested possession. We’re also getting the opportunity to score, but we don’t. That’s where the line is drawn. We don’t score.
Whether it’s a missed shot, rebound fifty off our forward line or even a complete coast-to-coast goal to the opposition, we somehow, someway, always never reap the rewards for our effort. How do you win three premierships when you have a forward line that cannot convert their opportunities?
I know many of you are mixed with thoughts on Travis Cloke. He’s apparently money hungry. But I am not talking about Travis Cloke directly. The Richmond Football Club needs to recruit a large behemoth of a man. A man who can crash, bash and smash right through the opposition’s defense. Have you watched the new Batman movie? We need a guy up like Bane. We need a beast up forward. When three defenders start manhandling Jack Riewoldt, he needs a guy like Cloke to take two of those men off him. Travis Cloke is a legitimate beast.
If they don’t go for Travis Cloke because he’s too expensive then I’m fine with that, however, next year I want an animal lining up at Centre Half Forward for the Tigers. Jack Riewoldt can play Full Forward and Tyrone Vickery can work for his spot. We cannot continue developing players in the senior squad during Hardwick’s fourth year as coach.
There are still holes on our list. We need a monster down back and we also require more midfield strength. Can we make finals within the next few years with that missing piece to the puzzle? We probably can but I highly doubt we’ll ever win a premiership without the puzzle complete.
Go Tiges
