In the lead-up to the 2012 season, Tony Greenberg continues his look at the burning questions on the lips of Tiger supporters. Today’s question is . . .
Can Dylan Grimes recover from his 2011 season-ending injury and build on the potential he’s shown early in his league career?
The signs certainly look good for the young defender. In seven games at the game’s highest level for the Tigers last year, Grimes displayed impressive composure, discipline and determination.
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After being thrown in at the deep end on Hawthorn superstar ‘Buddy’ Franklin in Round 3, Grimes grew in confidence and soon cemented a place in the team’s backline.
His ability to close quickly on opponents and ‘kill’ the dangerous ball, with a perfectly-timed spoil, was a real feature of his game.
Unfortunately, after showing such promise, Grimes’ season ended when he suffered a major hamstring tear in the Tigers’ Dreamtime victory over Essendon.
Since then, Grimes, in typical manner, has worked diligently to regain full fitness and be in the best possible shape to tackle the 2012 season.
He’s now bigger and stronger than the last time he stepped out on the field of battle, and appears ready to combat the competition’s most dangerous forwards.
Astute judges are convinced the 20-year-old has what it takes to carve out a distinguished league career as a defender.
The next Burning Question on richmondfc.com.au will appear tomorrow.
