If Richmond’s performance against Geelong up at Simonds Stadium didn’t get you excited about the 2012 season, then I don’t know what will! It was a marvelous performance that should be recorded on your IQ box and watched over and over again. Martin was inspirational, Cotchin was silk and big Ivan Maric stepped up.
The Tigers were missing only Deledio & Conca from our starting twenty-two. Geelong was without nine premiership players that included Bartel, Selwood, Mackie, Enright, Menzel, Varcoe and Harry Taylor. Although the result was fantastic, we should continue to follow our progress carefully. Richmond is getting better - but we’re still a step away from the elite teams of the competition. Most players stood up nicely yesterday - which players will step up for this entire season? Which players need to step up in 2012?
Should Step Up…
Dustin Martin
This kid absolutely annihilated every opposition player yesterday. He was a raging bull running through the motions, aiming for the matadors red cape - or in this case a lovely red Sherrin football. He raked in more than 20 disposals without playing the entire match and slotted through three goals. One of them was an incredible supergoal on the run from the center square. Dustin Martin is required in every Dreamteam this season.
Ivan Maric
Big Mullet Man adds another dimension to our midfield. On Saturday I saw our onballers getting first crack at stoppages. One fantastic double handed tap out the back set up a Robin Nahas goal. Maric on current evidence will be Richmond’s X-Factor for the 2012 season.
Addam Maric
This young kid originally drafted by Melbourne has sealed his Round One birth against Carlton. He added class, silk and skills to our running stocks yet again against Geelong. Maric broke through the lines at one point, running past Paul Chapman and drilling a pass inside 50, which set up another Richmond goal. If preseason form accounts for anything, then Addam Maric has set himself up for a solid 2012.
Shane Tuck
Tucky needs to play every single game this season if we’re to play finals. His grunt, and contested possession winning abilities make him so important to our line up. Simply put, Shane Tuck gives Richmond first use of the ball. This isn’t 2007 anymore, Francis Jackson and Craig Cameron have recruited solid kicks, and so Tucky has support. We’re never in doubt if the balls in Deledio’s, Newman’s, Cotchin’s, Ellis’, Houli’s or Martin’s hands. Tuck simply gives them first crack at the ball - he needs to play round one.
Needs To Step Up
Angus Graham
With Maric earning his spot as starting ruckman for round one where does that leave Graham? He’ll have to work hard at Coburg this season to improve his game. Marking around the ground, hitouts to advantage and keeping his feet are three areas Graham must improve on if he’s interested in playing a senior game this season.
Luke McGuane
Dylan Grimes and Jayden Post did themselves no harm after Saturday’s performance. Both players were fantastic in the air, and solid with disposal. Where does this leave Luke McGuane? Can he work his way back into the team, or is his spot safe?
David Astbury, Kelvin Moore & Benjamin Griffiths
These players have been plagued with injury and I sincerely hope they can return better than ever. Whilst they’ve been gone however - Grimes, Post, Elton, Rance and Vickery have all bettered their chances for a round one selection. Can these boys work through Coburg and build some momentum for Richmond’s 2012 campaign?
Do you agree with my opinion? Let me know what your thoughts are. Who do you think will step up and who do you think needs to step up this season?
Here’s hoping 2012 can finally result in finals action for the Richmond Football Club. GoTiges!
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