Shane Tuck was in contention for the Richmond best & fairest award in 2010, one year on he is struggling to play in the seniors for our club. He isn’t playing any worse than last year either; actually he managed to attain possession thirty-two times in his last match for the Tigers.  He’s also become one of the more consistent contributors for the Coburg Tigers throughout the season. So why has Tucky only played five games in 2011? 

I argue Tuck’s professionalism is the benchmark for all players in the competition. Regardless of where he plays, no one can dispute his efforts. He truly gives 100% and that cannot be put into question.  His attitude from an outsider’s perspective seems rather flawless. He deserves to play seniors, and yet regardless of whether he is selected or not, Tuck continues to play to the best of his ability. But as harsh as this sounds, I’m tired of investing my efforts into individuals. Brad Ottens used to be my favourite player and look what happened with him! Richmond will always come first. I realize players will come and go, it’s just the way this sport works - we won’t be winning the premiership in 2011 and I want our club to make every decision with one question always in mind

Will this get us our 11th premiership?

Tuck may be playing well, but he is nearly 30 years old. History shows that the majority of players who have played this game begin to slow down once they hit the big 3-0. Even though Tuck may have the potential to play on until he’s 40 (Michael Tuck did pretty well in that regard), the game keeps changing. This isn’t the 80’s anymore. If it were, I would be booking my tickets to see Michael Jackson. The speed, fitness, agility and strength of every player in the competition continue to reach new heights. It would be disappointing if Tuck were on his way towards retirement village whilst our boys finally hit their stride, especially after investing all that game time into him. Then again the game seems to be evolving every week, but winning the contested ball is an attribute Tuck excels in. He loves bursting into congestion, bouncing into scrums and bruising himself along the way. Premiership teams are not made by constantly playing twenty-two rookies each week, our side does need variety and Tuck is a positive inclusion.

But Dimma’s philosophy could prove to be genius. Play as many kids as possible, see which footballer can play and which can’t, and invest in those who can become great players. Astbury, Bachelor, Rance, Grimes and Martin have been earmarked as the future of our club whilst players such as Hislop, Edwards & Farmer are given opportunities to prove themselves. Tuck is vying for a spot in the midfield full of young unearthed players. Do we play someone who we know what we’re getting with… or do we roll the dice and see whether Grigg can become a superstar? It makes sense that the coaches are investing in our younger midfielders; they’re Richmond’s long-term solution. Tuck must be viewed as a short-term fix. Regardless of their performances this season, players like Grigg, Edwards, Conca, and Helbig have unreached potential - I would be disappointed in our coaching staff if we didn’t try to further develop our younger brigade of midfielders. One of the most effective means of improving, developing and excelling younger players would be by pumping games into the unproven talent.

I understand that Ben Cousins may also be thrown in as an example to counter my argument. But Cousins is a Premiership player and Brownlow Medalist. If the decision had to be made again, I would love him to play alongside Cotchin, Martin & Foley. Comparing him to Shane Tuck is almost comparing chalk to cheese. They are simply incomparable, and don’t get me started on Brad Miller. It’s easy to see he was specifically picked to become another marking option in our forward line while Griffiths, Grimes, Post, Rance and our other key position players could be settled into a specific role, as well as develop and recover from previous injuries.

Unfortunately the complicated Tuck scenario may have affected our results on field. Who’s to say we wouldn’t have beaten either Sydney or Port Adelaide if Tuck were playing? Could we have beaten Collingwood or Geelong however? That’s the gap that needs to be shortened.

I want to see our club play finals, actually I want our club to win another premiership, make that another 10. These results will take lots of hard work and more importantly, they will take time. I’m confident in Hardwick’s blueprint to success, and I’ll ride this long road to success with him. But back to Shane Tuck, he’ll be fine regardless of what eventuates from 2011. He’s getting paid to do what he loves. Many other clubs in the competition will consider him and whether he stays at Richmond or not, he will play football next year if he wants to do so. It’s a decent return for a guy that was delisted by Hawthorn after three seasons with no senior games, and was subsequently on the chopping block at Richmond at the end of 2004.  Best of luck to Tucky, I’m confident he’ll finish the year off very strong.

eat em’ alive!
Con Bouliopoulos