What suprises me is that Richmond only won 2 more games then they did in 2010, yet they seemed to have a much better year this season and I think have taken some massive steps forward. For one they are no longer reliant on Riewoldt to kick all their goals. They have managed to share the load quite well. They had their ups and downs this year but that’s to be expected with such a young side. What amazes me is Melbourne get talked up as one the best young lists going around, I have always said that I believe Richmond will play finals and win a premiership before them, and I stand by that comment. With some good recruiting in this years trade & draft period I can see them winning 11-13 games next year and really push  for a spot in the 8.

Join us over the break as I continue a quick review of the Tigers season before Chris88 takes over for a full review of the key Tigers supercoach season.

<!--more-->The Tiges will look back on Season 2011 and think what could have been if we didn’t sell our home games and have to travel interstate to play Melbourne &amp; Port Adelaide. Especially given how pathetic Port have been this year. A loss to the Gold Coast would also sting when considering most AFL clubs would have pencilled in a win against the new boys this year. How different would their season have been if they had won those 3 games? Well they would have finished equal with Essendon and just miss out on the 8 by percentage. But what ifs mean nothing when it comes down to it. From a non Tigers supporters view i firmly believe there will be some gold in amongst the Tigers list next season for a supercoach perspective. I firmly believe they will take a big step as a club next season and this should also see their players averages rise.

Anyway im sure your sick of me waffling on so thanks to Chris88 here is his review of the players.

The Good

Brett Deledio - Borderline All-Australian and another 100+ ppg SuperCoach scorer. Simply wonderful – consistent and again proving why he should’ve been one of the first picked in defence in SuperCoach in 2011. May not be MID eligible in 2012, which would be a pity.

Chris Newman – Up until his late season injury, Newman was enjoying a solid SuperCoach scoring year. May be slightly discounted next year and depending on his role (and his durability, he is now 29) he could be worth considering in 2012.

Dustin Martin – The Man Child gave doubters the Don’t Argue and enjoyed a breakout year. Mid-season scoring hot streak was formidable, but Dusty became significantly quieter in the second half of the year to end up averaging around 98 SuperCoach ppg. That said, for a second year player to have the impact he did, kick almost 35 goals and gather plenty of ball without a decent ruckman – it is frightening to think what next year might hold. Well worth considering as an elite POD next year.

Trent Cotchin - The Chimp enjoyed his first year of full fitness with a wonderful wonderful year. Averaged over 101 SuperCoach ppg with only 2 scores below 70. All this in a struggling side with no ruckman, and with having the captaincy given to him after Chris Newman went down. Easy to forget the guy is only 22. He and Martin are the Tigers midfield of the future – and Cotchin could be worth considering as a POD potential elite Mid in 2012.

Jake Batchelor – At the start of the year I said Jake would be a very handy consistent bench player – will average around 60-70 and would score most of the time between 40 and 80. And he proved me right ... owners would have been very happy with having him on the bench until his late season injury, he provided great bye coverage and handy bench scoring while playing in most games. Looked assured, improved as the year progressed and disposal was excellent.

The Bad/Ugly

Ben Griffiths - Some were tempted by the low price tag and the potential, but was unable to keep his spot in the side, or score SuperCoach points at all. Beaten out for third tall spot by Brad Miller. Ouch.

Daniel Connors - Horror run with injuries has put his career in jeopardy after emerging during 2009 (despite missing 8 games due to club suspension).

Jack Riewoldt – Played injured for a good portion of the year, and those that took a risk on him as a cheap premium didn’t quite get the consistent returns they were after. That said, considering his injury and the fact that Richmond found other viable alternatives to goal in 2011, JRoo wasn’t the worst F7 one could have.

Shane Tuck – Not given the games needed to be a realistic selection in SC. A pity, because he again showed his fantasy football scoring potential late in the year. Rumour has it he might have won a 1 year contract with the Tigers – but don’t bank on him playing constantly in the ones next year.

Any ruckmen – Browne and Graham pretty average. Vickery played more forward than ruck (and rightly so), Derickx injured. The ticker showed “hot” for ruckmen playing against Richmond – and for good reason.

An eye to next year

Dylan Grimes – might be awkwardly priced but proved he is going to be a mainstay in the Tigers defence in coming years. Master of the spoil, the third man up, and played a good role in running the ball out of defence. Worth considering.

Tom Derickx – Season ruined by injuries so he’ll be at a discount next year. If Richmond can’t recruit a decent ruckman from elsewhere, the man mountain from Claremont will play next year.

Any ruckman Richmond does recruit – Will get plenty of time and opportunities to play as Number 1 ruckman given the Tigers’ dearth of big man options.

Cotchin/Martin/Foley – Again, if a decent ruckman lands at Punt Road, watch the already impressive numbers for these guys increase.

Daniel Connors – Again, beset by injury this year. If he is retained, will be at a discount and could be worth considering if he breaks back into the Tigers’ best 22. That, though, is a big “if”.

Matty Dea – Could be a sneaky defensive option after dramatic improvement from the ex-basketballer in 2011. Courageous and ever-improving. Will carry an awkward price tag. Watch during pre-season.

Ty Vickery – This guy could be anything in 2012 after a massive 2011. There is risk in the choice – perhaps keep an eye on him in the pre-season.

Jeromey Webberley: While the sub rule has caused massive frustrations this year, one thing it has produced is group of players that will be as cheap as chips due to being the sub on numerous occasions. Webberley is one of these – has been on the cusp of Richmond’s best 22 most of the year, but only played 4 games – in 3 he has started as sub. In limited time he has impressed, but with an SuperCoach average around only 27ppg, he’ll be dirt cheap next year and if he gains a foothold in the team is definitely a cheap buy worth watching in 2012.