In the second part of a richmondfc.com.au post-season special series, we take a look at (in alphabetical order) the top three most improved players at Tigerland this year.
Jake Batchelor
Batchelor enjoyed the best season of his five-year league career in 2015.
The 23-year-old established himself as a permanent member of a defensive unit ranked third in the competition for least points conceded throughout the home-and-away rounds.
He played all 23 games for the Tigers, easily exceeding his previous best season’s tally of 16, and combined tight defence with some impressive attacking flair.
With an average of 12.3 disposals and 4.8 marks per game, Batchelor was a valuable contributor across the Richmond backline, consistently quelling opposition forwards.
Although Batchelor was beaten by experienced North Melbourne tall forward Jarrad Waite in the elimination final, that shouldn’t detract from his overall level of performance throughout the 2015 season.
Shane Edwards
Edwards took his game to another level this year.
He was in career-best form, and touted as a potential All-Australian representative, until sustaining a hairline fracture in his right leg during the Round 15 clash with Carlton, which sidelined him for five matches.
The 26-year-old averaged an equal career-high 18.8 disposals per game for the season and hit the scoreboard, too, with a return of 13 goals.
But it was the ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates, through his clever play, that made Edwards such an asset for the Tigers’ team.
Edwards turned himself into one of Richmond’s most important players in his role rotating between high half-forward and the midfield.
With his pace, creativity and all-round football ‘smarts’, he became a catalyst for many potent Tiger attacking moves.
Dylan Grimes
All the hard work Grimes has put in to overcome the persistent hamstring problems that have plagued him over his league football journey, is starting to pay dividends.
Grimes really grew in confidence throughout 2015, as his body stood up to the rigors of AFL football.
He did miss a couple of games late in the season with a minor hamstring injury, but with 18 senior appearances all-up, he was an integral member of the Richmond backline.
Versatility and dependability were the cornerstones of Grimes’ game.
His capacity to play on tall, or small opponents, was a particularly beneficial factor for the Tigers. And, the fact he was rarely beaten, regardless of who he played on, further enhanced his value to the team.
It’s no wonder the Club was so pleased to announce last week that Grimes has signed a three-year contract extension.
