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2007 Blog: The Team

March 26, 2007 2:38 am
By Chris Greenway

As the season opener approaches ever closer (only 6 sleeps to go) I thought it may be an opportune time to have a brief look at the list. I’ll do this by jumper number and give a few words about where the player is and what is expected. Remember all these are my personal opinions and in no way reflect the views of the management.

1 Chris Newman: solid, consistent defender who can move into the midfield. Returning from a broken leg it would be hard to expect him to be back to his previous form until at least mid season.

2 Darren Gaspar: I’m honestly not sure why he’s still on the list. The 2003 knee injury robbed him of the 2 things that made him dangerous; speed and agility. He has never learned to kick and he can’t handle the new hands in the back rule. An injury prone liability.

3 Brett Deledio: sheer class. Despite many saying that he didn’t perform in 2006 his stats make that into a lie. He seems to have sorted out his kicking for goal and this could be his year.

4 Andrew Raines: another talented youngster. Close to the best small defender in the game and will provide a lot of drive from the backline.

5 Troy Simmonds: one of the competitions 5 best ruckmen. Pre season wrecked by ankle injury and will be sorely missed in the opening game against Carlton.

6 Graham Polak: a young man with a lot to prove. Hopefully he can hold down centre half back, justify the faith shown in him and make Fremantle rue the day they let him go.

7 Nathan Brown: after struggling to return from a broken leg Browny has put in a big pre season and appears to be ready to give opposition defenders nightmares all over again.

8 Jack Riewoldt: a young key position player. Has had encouraging reports, but would be unlikely to play more than a few games this season.

10 Shane Edwards: needs to put on weight, but has the determination and the skill to play an important part in the midfield in the future.

11 Joel Bowden: with help from Polak will be released from the key defender role and become even more attacking.

12 Matthew Richardson: the big man is fit and firing, despite twinging a hamstring pre season and the usual media hysteria. The new rule may help him kick more than a few goals this season.

13 Trent Knobel: playing for his future. A good run with injuries could at least see him hold down the 2nd ruck position.

14 Dean Polo: has to back up after a great season last year. Has the potential to be a genuine gun.

15 Kayne Pettifer: the whipping boy has come of age and has the chance to combine with Brown and really hurt the opposition.

16 Patrick Bowden: now that people know who he is the pressure is on to handle the attention. Can hopefully continue to combine with brother Joel.

17 Kane Johnson: the captain turned into the game’s best tagger and something the Tigers have needed since Duncan Kellaway. If he can continue to shut down the competition’s play makers then a few sides will get a nasty shock from the Tigers.

18 Kent Kingsley: the Geelong discard has been given a second chance. Injury has prevented him from debuting in round 1 for Richmond. When fit he could be a useful alternative to Richardson in the forward line.

20 Ray Hall: the battler from Woy Woy has struggled with injury. The pressure is on for him to prove he can still play an important role in the seniors.

21 Shane Tuck: the son of Hawthorn legend Michael is ready to make his mark and become a genuine hard inside midfielder.

22 Danny Meyer: pace, brains and skill, Danny has it all, he just needs to put it altogether at once.

23 Daniel Jackson: time is running out for the athletic youngster. He needs to find a spot and make it his own.

24 Mark Coughlan: tragically reinjured his knee and will not play this season.

25 Jay Schulz: given some luck with injury the versatile key position player will surprise a number of opponents this season.

26 Adam Pattison: developing ruckman who gets better with each game, could go past Trent Knobel this season.

27 Andrew Krakouer: consistency. I don’t think anymore needs to be said.

28 Carl Peterson: athletic indigenous player who due to osteitis pubis is unlikely to play much football this season.

29 Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls: with some muscle on that light frame could be a useful defensive option.

30 Richard Tambling: with pace to burn this young indigenous player could combine dangerously with the freakish Krakouer to terrorise opposition defenders.

31 Chris Hyde: the tough midfielder is a little underdone, but will not let that stop him.

32 Greg Tivendale: although he can run hard and be deadly off his left foot he can also panic and turn the ball over too easily for a player of his experience and age.

33 Brent Hartigan: small defender fighting his way back after two injury ruined seasons.

34 Cleve Hughes: developing forward who had a taste last year and will be eager for more.

35 Matthew White: surprise selection in the pre season draft of 2006. Senior performances were very encouraging.

36 Will Thursfield: young defender returning from knee injury. Hopes are high for him to become the next full back.

37 Travis Casserly: mid sized youngster who is yet to make a senior appearance.

38 Luke McGuane: the nephew of Collingwood champion Mick. Earmarked for defence, has had two senior appearances, but looks to have a long way to go yet.

39 Daniel Connors: class young midfielder who could be the standout from the 2006 draft for Richmond.

40 Kelvin Moore: quick defender, needs to stake his claim this year.

41 Nathan Foley: nuggety small midfielder, tough and speedy with good decision making.

42 Andrew Collins: speculative midfield selection from the 2006 draft.

43 Cam Howat: classy flanker who should be elevated from the rookie list to take Coughlan’s place.