Although at this point in time, we’re only half a game better off than 2010’s 15th placed finish, it’s important to note several key performance indicators that I believe we have significantly improved on throughout the 2011 season.
Last season Richmond managed to lose one game by over 100 points. They also lost nine matches by over 50 points. Other than our six victories, the only contests we came moderately close to winning was our season defining clash against Hawthorn which ended in a 3 point defeat. The boys performed admirably later in the season against St. Kilda & in the second half against Port Adelaide.
In 2011 we have also lost only one contest by over 100 points, during this match Carlton absolutely demolished our midfield, there was no forward pressure from our boys because we simply couldn’t get it in there enough. It will take a few years for our midfield to compete with elite players such as Chris Judd and Marc Murphy, the experience of veterans such as Scotland & Carrazzo can’t be downplayed either, both these players torn into us. Only five times however, have we been beaten by over 50 points throughout this season. In addition the defeats that Geelong & Collingwood had inflicted on us this season weren’t as emphatic as 2010’s results. With games against bottom eight-placed clubs such as Melbourne, Adelaide and North Melbourne ahead, we are unlikely to face another heavy defeat for the year. We may trouble the win column by adding a few more victories before the seasons out, which should allow the boys to build momentum heading into the 2012 season. That’s an impressive turnaround in form, we’ve bridged the gap between our best and worst, it’s promising progress.
If you disregard our embarrassing defeat against Carlton a few months ago, we’ve actually been very good with competing. We led at three-quarter time in four matches this season that we couldn’t win. Although the results were disappointing, as a paid member I am pleased that we’re pushing strong in these contests. It’s a step up from last season, where some of the results were done and dusted by quarter time. Our percentage currently stands at 84%, which is much better than last year’s 73%. On average last season our opposition scored 107 points, whilst our return was a poor 78 points. This season however, we’ve been scored against an even heavier 110 points on average per match. But the difference is our offensive pressure; we are piling on 92 points each game. It’s speculated that Dimma will implement our defensive strategy next year on his blueprint to success. From studying our matches it’s fairly obvious that our main objective in defense is to ‘kill’ the ball. In other words, we spoil, sometimes mark, win stoppage, clear from defense and mistakes are made along the way. By next year our coaching staff will begin to implement a defensive game plan that will relieve the off set of heavy scoring. The coaching team stated this season was strictly about finding other avenues towards goal. We relied on Jack Riewoldt far too heavily last season.
That has been achieved.
The statistic below highlights the players on our list that have kicked over 15 goals in 2010 & 2011. We’ve had four more contributors this season, including the impressive Tyrone Vickery, who literally blossomed during a practice match against Port Adelaide before the start of the season; he managed to boot a big bag of goals, the first of his short career.
2010
Jack Riewoldt - 78
Andrew Collins - 15
2011
Jack Riewoldt - 56
Tyrone Vickery - 31
Dustin Martin - 26
Jake King - 23
Robin Nahas - 20
Trent Cotchin - 16
Scores against, clearances, ruck work, and other fundamental areas need to be improved if we are too become a serious threat, there is no doubt in my mind that the increased improvement of individuals at the club such as Vickery, Houli, Rance, & Cotchin will lead us to great success in due course, the improvement is definitely happening and I am enjoying the ride.
Eat THEM’ alive!
Con Bouliopoulos
