It’s incredibly difficult to make sense of Richmond’s nine-game winning run to the finals. Even though they were violently slaughtered over in Adelaide once they made it, there were patches of scintillating football as they delivered wins over finalists Sydney, Port Adelaide and Essendon.
It’s even more confusing to then sit there and compare this run to their early-season form, which was beyond woeful. It appears the only stark contrast between the two patches in the season, was that too much was left to too few.
Trent Cotchin was receiving tags every week, Dustin Martin was drifting in and out games, Brett Deledio was patchy and Steven Morris couldn’t recapture form of previous seasons. It looked endemic and the whole team was consumed by a lack of confidence.
Mainly, there was a stigma where they were too engrossed in their opponents and too reactive to their opposition. They forgot how to play the flowing, possessive brand of football they established in 2013 where the Tigers finished just outside the top four.
The second half of the season - where types like Ivan Maric and Bachar Houli were able to get back from injury - they were able to recapture a more confident style of football. Suddenly, being more daring was paying off and then that cascaded to the best form a Richmond team has delivered in years.
For a club with such a large supporter base and factors like what was effectively a 30-year exile, the coming of Richmond will always be a hyped-up event leading to an anti-climax. With the maturity of some of these players, hopefully there comes an ability to handle that hype.
In year six, if Damien Hardwick is able to draw the best out of this group, that elusive finals win – their first since 2001 - might be heading to the Junction Oval.
Players to watch
Reece Conca
Definitely talented enough, but has so far failed to deliver on his promise. Perhaps isn’t as quick as a midfielder should be, but there is poise and game awareness that is unteachable. 2015 has to be the year he starts to hit his stride.
Nick Vlastuin
Impressed in his first year but regressed a little in 2014 due to injury. Has added rebounding skills to his tough inside-ball winning ability, and looks to be a winning recruit for the Tigers.
Liam McBean
Is finally filling out to the size required for most key forwards. Considering his direct opponent for a spot is the ever-wayward Ty Vickery, his output only needs to be consistent rather than prolific to crack and keep a spot in the team.
Key Games
Round 5 v Geelong – Perhaps unlucky to not get a result in the same game last year, but this time the Cats are more vulnerable than ever. This kind of win early in the year against another top-eight contender and team they have beaten in a while would be an excellent morale boost.
Round 10 v Fremantle – Always a difficult away trip, but have been able to nearly knock off the Dockers in last few season. Eigh- point game if the season doesn’t go to plan early on.
Round 20 v Gold Coast – Potentially a game which can seal a finals spot with a few rounds to go. At home against a team which has finished off seasons poorly.
Finishing position – 7th