#dion prestia

[thebehindpost]

Season previews: Richmond (14th)

Last season: 13th (10 wins, 12 losses, 1 draw, 93.6%) Notable ins: Jacob Koschitzke (Hawthorn) Notable outs: Trent Cotchin (retired), Jack Riewoldt (retired), Ivan Soldo (Port Adelaide)

When Damien Hardwick announced he was stepping down as coach of Richmond, their formline to that point of the season was three wins from ten games and they had just suffered the indignity of a loss to old rivals, Essendon. In his exit speech, he was gracious enough to suggest it was not the players but he and his coaching that had grown tired and stale (said with a casualness only a man that already had his next job lined up could muster). Setting aside conspiracy theories about when he first made contact with the Suns, Hardwick had clearly surveyed the sausages left at his disposal and determined it was they that were cooked.

Winning three flags eventually took a toll on the club's list as superstars aged and were rightly afforded the opportunity to play a season too long, the salary cap started to bulge and the trade moves required to keep the premiership window open had clogged the incoming pipeline of elite youngsters. Near the midpoint of the 2023 season it was clear that window was now firmly shut and while there is still enough talent at Punt Road to avoid a long and painful rebuild, a significant retooling at least is required. So - perhaps thinking of the way Alastair Clarkson was run out of town at Hawthorn, his volatile nature quickly starting to grate when the wins dried up - Hardwick jumped well before he might be pushed.

Richmond appear to be clear on where they are at heading into the new season. There may be some lingering regret over paying three first-round draft picks for Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper, a decision made at a time they were perhaps being less realistic. But attention now has turned to list regeneration with their trade period moves, largely bypassing the so-so 2023 draft class to amass a bevy of selections in 2024 (in addition to holding all of their own, they have added an additional second-, two third- and two fourth-round picks and will seek to add more later this year). The exits of Cotchin and Riewoldt were respectfully managed. They opted for an entirely fresh voice in Adam Yze as coach over the sense of continuity longserving assistant then interim, Andrew McQualter, would have signalled. One eye is firmly on the road ahead but it would not be consistent with the culture at Tigerland today to bottom out and they would still love to win enough games to sneak into September or more realistically break even with last year's result. Consider this a rebuild on the run, attempting to turn over the list whilst remaining relevant, perhaps even quickly enough to capitalise on the mature talent still remaining.

Of that older group, Dustin Martin is 32 with a year left on his contract but has more good football than that left in him if he wants it. You suspect he is swayed to join Hardwick at Gold Coast but will wait and see if his old coach quickly finds the magic there and then decide where he is most likely to play finals in 2025. Tom Lynch at 31 is younger but his longevity less assured. Despite carrying some injury concerns when he arrived from Gold Coast, Lynch had managed to stay mostly on the park during his Tiger tenure and importantly was there when it mattered in finals and Grand Finals. However he has now not been sighted since round 4 last year and still does not have a return date for this season, already ruled out of Opening Round. Dion Prestia, also 31, has a long history of soft-tissue injuries. Dylan Grimes, Marlion Pickett, Nathan Broad, Kamdyn McIntosh, Nick Vlastuin and Toby Nankervis make up the rest of the group that will be aged 30-plus before the end of this season but all managed to play the majority of their available games in 2023. Taranto, Hopper, Daniel Rioli, Liam Baker and Shai Bolton will all comfortably be a part of Richmond's next flag push if they can prise the window back open within the next three to four years.

As for Richmond's prospects right now, it is easier to find the potential triggers for a decline than for an improvement this season. After 13.5 years of 'Dimma' there will be growing pains as the side adapts to whatever new ideas Yze brings to the role. Goals will be hard to come by if Lynch is unavailable and they are left to rely for key forwards on Noah Balta (who has played most of his career as a defender) and Koschitzke (the recruit has kicked 54 goals from his 48 games). This is likely to be a year of transition for the Tigers with a few hazards to navigate. They will take their lumps this season when they have to and if it ever gets too depressing, can stroll to the trophy cabinet and remember better days.

How badly will it hurt if the Saints fall from heaven? Next up is St Kilda…

[israfel87]

Dion Prestia 3 Richmond Tigers

Link to 1 and 2

[akaretu]

Dion Prestia of the Richmond Tigers

[hummingzone]

AFL all-time first ends 17-year dynasty

AFL all-time first ends 17-year dynasty

Hawthorn Hawks mastermind Alastair Clarkson certainly won’t forget the final game of his 17-year tenure as senior coach any time soon. Richmond kicked the last five goals to snatch an extraordinary draw from Alastair Clarkson and Shaun Burgoyne in their final game in brown and gold. The Hawks were cruising and looked winners all afternoon until time on in the last quarter when Richmond flicked…

[fazcinatingblog]

He didn't even explain why!!!!! Wtffff.

[bongaboi]

Richmond: 2019 AFL Premiers

RICHMOND waited 37 long years for premiership success.

It now has two flags in three seasons.

The 'Dimma Dynasty' started on a sunny Saturday afternoon at the MCG. It was just as invigorating and exciting two years on, as Damien Hardwick's remarkable group brushed aside Grand Final rookies Greater Western Sydney on its way to an emphatic 89-point win.

The Tigers tackled, harassed and drove forward with the relentlessness they have become renowned for throughout their three years of dominance, inspired by an unstoppable mix of genius coaching, tremendous individual talent and astonishing team cohesion.

Richmond's 17.12 (114) to 3.7 (25) Grand Final victory was the product of that combination – a demonstration of all that has made it the best team of 2019.

Hardwick thwarted his opposite number Leon Cameron, particularly in an outstanding second-quarter display where the Tigers completely overwhelmed the Giants in all areas of the ground to kick five unanswered goals and lay the foundations for their emphatic win.

He also had the players to execute his vision.

Dustin Martin, once again, was sublime. Whether it was in the midfield, where he collected 22 disposals and three clearances, or forward, where he slotted four goals and had eight score involvements, he was the game's most influential figure.

DUSTY'S DOUBLE Martin in elite company with second Norm Smith

A second Norm Smith Medal – making him just the fourth player to be a dual winner of the award behind Gary Ayres, Andrew McLeod and Luke Hodge – was just reward for his stunning display, as the Richmond favourite etched his name in the record books.

Jack Riewoldt and Tom Lynch – the League's most dominant forward duo – combined for seven goals. Riewoldt had three in the second quarter alone and finished with five for the match, while Lynch was a constant presence to haul down seven big marks.

Bachar Houli (26 disposals) and Dion Prestia (22 disposals) were their prolific selves, while Shane Edwards, Kane Lambert and Nick Vlastuin were also typically consistent.

Then there was the Grand Final debutant, Marlion Pickett. One game, one flag.

The 27-year-old was lively, involved and, at times, special. He repaid Hardwick's faith and then some, finishing with 22 disposals, eight inside 50s, nine score involvements and a maiden AFL goal on an unforgettable afternoon for the club's boom recruit.

But the manner in which they were able to showcase their individual flair, without ever straying from Hardwick's methodical and trained system, was evident from the outset.

In fact, it helped stamp their authority on the contest.

While the Giants had become renowned for their pressure throughout September, it was the Tigers who were turning the tables throughout the opening stages on Saturday.

They hunted in packs, chased relentlessly and tackled as though their lives depended on it.

The only problem was, they couldn't take advantage of their dominance.

Richmond kicked three behinds from its first 10 entries to start the match, allowing GWS to regain some composure and resulting in a nervous period of flux for both sides.

Turnovers and lamentable mistakes became the order of the day, until Jeremy Cameron flushed a shot from beyond 50m for the game's first goal – 21 minutes into the match.

All of a sudden, the Tigers needed a spark. Enter Martin.

Pushed deep forward, he wriggled clear of Heath Shaw, marked strongly and bent his shot around the corner to eventually get the yellow and black faithful back on their feet.

Daniel Rioli followed it with a bomb on the buzzer and the momentum carried Richmond into the break and beyond, as the Tigers stormed away with the contest.

Pickett was blind-turning tacklers, Jason Castagna was leaping above defenders, Riewoldt was bending them around corners and Dusty was just being Dusty.

The result was a 35-point lead in a flash by half-time.

Each Tiger goal – all five of them, kicked one after the other – was met with exceedingly raucous cheers, as the Punt Road end celebrated what was quickly becoming inevitable.

The Giants went some way to stemming the bleeding by the break. However, in reality, they quite simply couldn't lay a glove on the Tigers. They were held goalless for the entirety of the second quarter, as a disaster unfolded in front of them.

But if they thought the main change would end the nightmare, they were wrong.

Lynch added the first of the second half, before Martin snapped another from deep inside the boundary. The third was the cream on top of a yellow and black cake.

Martin delivered to Pickett, who slotted his first goal in senior footy in typically calm fashion. All 18 Richmond players on the field immediately swarmed the debutant.

THE MOMENT Debutant's maiden goal hands Tigers a Hollywood ending

Pickett adds to the perfect story It became a training drill for the Tigers, who ultimately booted 11 straight goals – the large majority of which were slotted under very little pressure – before the Giants responded.

But the response was tame, to say the least.

TEN THINGS WE LEARNED GWS decision backfires, Tiger courage rewarded

While youngster Tim Taranto (30 disposals, seven tackles) fought hard all day and veteran Shaw (29 disposals, 14 marks) was tireless, it was unsurprisingly not enough.

And with a 62-point deficit at three-quarter time, there was little left to play for late.

Instead, it became a Richmond party, as players lined up for their shot at goal. They added five more in the final term, with captain Trent Cotchin's – delivered from beyond 50m out after a couple of bounces – resulting in perhaps the biggest cheer of the afternoon.

Captain Cotch joins the Tigers' party The final siren mirrored that joy, sparking yet more wild scenes of Richmond celebrations.

Once a rarity, September success now seems like a regular Tiger occurrence.

RICHMOND                                2.3     7.5     12.9     17.12     (114) GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY     1.2     1.6     2.7     3.7     (25)

GOALS Richmond: Riewoldt 5, Martin 4, Lynch 2, Rioli, Soldo, Pickett, Lambert, Bolton, Cotchin Greater Western Sydney: Cameron, Hopper, Himmelberg

BEST Richmond: Martin, Riewoldt, Prestia, Pickett, Edwards, Vlastuin, Houli Greater Western Sydney: Taranto, Shaw, Haynes, Hopper, Williams

NORM SMITH MEDAL VOTING 15 - Dustin Martin, Richmond - 33333 6 - Bachar Houli, Richmond - 222 4 - Marlion Pickett, Richmond - 211 3 - Jack Riewoldt, Richmond - 111 2 - Dion Prestia, Richmond - 2

Judges voting (3, 2, 1) Alastair Lynch (Chair) - D. Martin, B. Houli, J. Riewoldt Chris Johnson - D. Martin, D. Prestia, J. Riewoldt Matthew Lloyd - D. Martin, B. Houli, M. Pickett Bruce McAvaney - D. Martin, B. Houli, M. Pickett Angela Pippos - D. Martin, M. Pickett, J. Riewoldt

INJURIES Richmond: Nil Greater Western Sydney: Nil

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Stevic, Ryan, Chamberlain

Official crowd: 100,014 at the MCG

Richmond's 12 VFL/AFL premierships, ranked by winning margin SEASON GRAND FINAL MARGIN NORM SMITH MEDALLIST 2019 Richmond 17.12 (114) d Greater Western Sydney 3.7 (25) 89 points Dustin Martin (Rich) 1980 Richmond 23.21 (159) d Collingwood 9.24 (78) 81 points Kevin Bartlett (Rich) 2017 Richmond 16.12 (108) d Adelaide 8.12 (60) 48 points Dustin Martin (Rich) 1974 Richmond 18.20 (128) d North Melbourne 13.9 (87) 41 points Kevin Sheedy (Rich)* 1934 Richmond 19.14 (128) d South Melbourne 12.17 (89) 39 points - 1969 Richmond 12.13 (85) d Carlton 8.12 (60) 25 points Michael Green (Rich)* 1973 Richmond 16.20 (106) d Carlton 12.14 (86) 20 points Kevin Bartlett (Rich)* 1920 Richmond 7.10 (52) d Collingwood 5.5 (35) 17 points - 1932 Richmond 13.14 (92) d Carlton 12.11 (83) 9 points - 1967 Richmond 16.18 (114) d Geelong 15.15 (105) 9 points Bill Goggin (Geel)* 1921 Richmond 5.6 (36) d Carlton 4.8 (32) 4 points - *Voted best and fairest before the Norm Smith Medal was presented from 1979

[richmondfcblog]

Dimma claims “unfinished business” as Punt Road welcomes Giants duo

Damian Hardwick is confident amidst interesting times for the Richmond Football Club that they can rise back to become kings of the jungle once again in 2023. 

The Tigers 2022 campaign was a mixed bag with some big wins and shock losses. It ended with a cruel 2 point defeat in the Elimination Final to Brisbane up at the Gabba. “That’s behind us now. We reviewed it when it happened, but our attention is on our preseason now,” stated Hardwick when he was questioned about the Elimination Final in a recent press conference.

“There’s no doubt we’ve got unfinished business. This group still has that same special feeling that it had six years ago now.” Hardwick’s confidence in the list was evident in his recent press conference as he backs the depth as well as the big names that the Tigers have introduced to Punt Road, being Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper. 

(Pictured: Hardwick at the recent press conference at training during the week)

Both Taranto and Hopper accompanied Hardwick at the press conference. “I know we’re both super keen to get stuck in,” said Taranto, referring to himself and Hopper, “all the boys and the staff have been really supportive and the culture here is top notch.”

(Pictured: Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper both made the move from GWS to Punt Road for season 2023)

Hopper made his excitement to play on the hallowed MCG turf quite evident. “I just can’t wait to run out onto the G’ in front of that many people. Tim and myself haven’t really had the opportunity to play in front of big crowds very often so it’ll be a surreal experience.”

Taranto is set for a midfield/forward role in the Tigers side next year as Hopper will likely play as the big-bodied midfielder role that we often saw him play at the Giants.

“We wouldn’t have picked both the boys up if we didn’t think they’d be assets to our side. We know there’s something left in us. Our dynasty (or whatever you want to call it) is nowhere near over,” Hardwick backed both Taranto and Hopper when he was questioned about his opinions on the signings of the ex-Giant duo.

Taranto provides an X-Factor component that seemed to be lacking in Dustin Martin’s absence in 2021. His cleanliness with Sherrin in hand will be an immense asset for the Tigers in 2023.

The Tigers were in desperate need of big-bodied midfielder like Jacob Hopper. Dion Prestia has been far too injury prone over the last few years and when he’s not in the side, the Tigers midfield has been lacking. 

Both new players will be massive assets to the Tigers side in season 2023. But is their dynasty still alive? Is there still unfinished business at Punt Road?

[leanpick]

Geelong's Stewart sent to AFL Tribunal

Geelong’s Stewart sent to AFL Tribunal

Geelong defender Tom Stewart has been sent directly to the AFL Tribunal for the heavy bump that concussed Richmond’s Dion Prestia. And Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe has been cleared of wrongdoing after making contact with an umpire. Triple All Australian backman Stewart can expect a lengthy suspension for his hit on Prestia during the Cats’ three-point win at the MCG on Saturday night. The AFL’s…

[thenetionalnews]

AFL news 2022: Dion Prestia knocked out by Tom Stewart, Geelong vs Richmond, scores, send off

AFL news 2022: Dion Prestia knocked out by Tom Stewart, Geelong vs Richmond, scores, send off

An ugly moment has rocked the AFL with a star left out cold, facedown on the turf as fans called for a lengthy ban to be handed down. Footy fans couldn’t believe what they were seeing when Geelong star defender Tom Stewart flattened Richmond’s Dion Prestia in the first quarter. As Prestia leapt to tap a highball onto a teammate, Stewart ran past the footy and through the Tigers midfielder with…

[israfel87]

Dion Prestia 2

More here

[bettingpunter]

5 Lessons Learned – AFL Round 6

1. Melbourne is good

They are real and they’re spectacular.

To all the Melbourne fans reading this – YOU ARE GOOD.

Surge football.

More majors, for your pure enjoyment

https://t.co/93qdmRkbee#FiredUp pic.twitter.com/Po6SpkykMT

— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) April 25, 2021

A 6-0 start to the season, high-pressure, star players all flying and boy did they out-Richmond Richmond with a six-goal win on Saturday night. 

Every Dees fan around Australia is up and about with a big smile on their face, they are starting to believe.

These are the Monday’s you crave all of the hot-takes and if you’ve been scrolling looking for more pats on the back the way of the Demons, you’ve come to the right place.

I wonder how the 15 Ladbrokes punters who backed Melbourne at $26 for the flag at the start of the season are feeling right now?

The Dees are now fourth in line for premiership betting at $6.50 and will make it a 7-0 start to 2021 on Sunday when they face the bottom of the ladder Kangaroos with Melbourne opening the betting at $1.02 head to head.

"I think the way we're playing is inspiring our crowd. It's inspiring our supporters." – Simon Goodwin following last night's win

Full post-match press conference

https://t.co/7yL94zz5vE pic.twitter.com/xlw0jumGg9

— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) April 25, 2021

When it comes to following a footy team, the journey can be as fun as the destination and every Melbourne fan should make hay while the sun shines. 

2. ..So are the Bulldogs

Are we going to party like it’s 1954?

Check out the #AFLGiantsDogs match report: https://t.co/1f57jHEHnY

— AFL (@AFL) April 23, 2021

The Western Bulldogs have started the season 6-0 with a solid win over GWS, who challenged them on Friday night, but the Dogs ultimately blew them away in the last quarter.

They will go in $1.52 favourites against a defeated and injury-riddled reigning premiers Richmond ($2.55) at the MCG on Friday night. 

Injuries are starting to bite at Whitten Oval as well with Tim English, Josh Dunkley and poor old Lin Jong but it appears they bat-deep.

Will see the debut of no.1 draft pickon Friday night? 

He kicked five goals in the televised VFL game for Footscray on Thursday

Jesse Hogan (four goals) and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (five goals) put on strong showings in the VFL on Thursday night. Should either of them get the AFL call up next week? pic.twitter.com/hUCpdgWkd0

— AFL (@AFL) April 24, 2021

 You’d fancy the Dogs against Richmond, but you’d have to be foolish to write off the champions. 

3. Injuries suck 

A real big statement here, I know. 

We mentioned in lesson 2 that injury got the better of poor old Lin Jong on Friday night and then injury got the better of two of the absolute superstars of the game over the weekend.

Lachie Neale (ankle surgery) is out indefinitely pic.twitter.com/CfNslHjU7g

— 7AFL (@7AFL) April 25, 2021

Lachie Neale suffered an ankle injury in Brisbane’s win over Carlton on Saturday, meaning the reigning Brownlow medalist is likely to miss 6-8 weeks of football.

From a punting perspective, all Brownlow bets are off on Neale who opened the betting to go back-to-back at $6 at the start of the season. 

It’s a shame, but hopefully we’ll see him back on the field later in the season. 

Dustin Martin has been ruled out of Friday night’s game against the Bulldogs with Dusty being ruled out with concussion, but it’s been revealed he’s been nursing an injured foot in recent weeks.

. @Richmond_FC are licking their wounds after a night from hell against the @melbournefc – a miserable milestone for Tiger Dustin Martin, he'll miss Friday night's @westernbulldogs blockbuster through concussion, but that's not his only concern. @SeanSowerby7 #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/rPHaKWlFlK

— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) April 25, 2021

The Tigers will also miss the likes of Dylan Grimes and Dion Prestia.

It’s a better problem to have in April rather than in September.

4. Hawthorn v Adelaide was game of the Round

Now, we could look into the likes of how other contenders Port Adelaide and Geelong fared on the weekend or we can look back and smile with what transpired in the Hawks v Crows clash Launceston. 

What a game! What a win!

#AFLHawksCrows pic.twitter.com/63nM7G5jsW

— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) April 25, 2021

The 1pm Sunday off-broadway clash between two sides that are not likely to feature in the finals was an absolute delight to watch. 

End-to-end, fast ball movement, high-scoring, accurate – especially in the case of the Crows 15 goals without a behind, defense thrown out the window, red footy in the daytime, the stunning five goals on debut from Adelaide’s Riley Thilthorpe and five goals on the other end from Hawk Jacob Koschitzke.

Welcome to the big time Riley Thilthorpe

#AFLHawksCrows pic.twitter.com/yrmnoDUzke

— AFL (@AFL) April 25, 2021

Hawthorn was able to come back from 32 points in the third quarter, finishing with a 15-12 (102) to 16-3 (99) win in their Tassie fortress. 

Imagine if there was hindsight multis? Back the Over, Jacob Koschitzke to score 2+ goals @ $2.85 and Riley Thilthorpe @ $2.45 to score 2+ Goals. If only. 

Both of these young guns (Thilthorpe – $11, Koschitzke $26) are worth considering for the Rising Star this year.

If you wanna watch a replay of any game from Round 6, 2021 – Hawthorn v Adelaide is top billing. 

5. Collingwood isn’t good. 

We all know what’s transpiring at Collingwood.

If you are a Magpies fan and you’re reading this – you’ve clearly been doom scrolling.

Nathan Buckley: My future is not an excuse or a distraction https://t.co/zLUYGdCn02

— Daniel Cherny

(@DanielCherny) April 25, 2021

While you are 17th on the ladder this week, the Pies are now equal 6th on the line of wooden spoon betting at $21, $5 to make the eight, $26 for the top four and $51 for the miracle turnaround premiership.

The good news is, we’ve got the Pies down as $1.40 favorites as they host the Gold Coast Suns ($3) this Saturday arvo at the MCG.

I’m not going to do a deep-dive into the problems at the Magpies, but my best tip is to stop reading articles like this and give all of the talkback radio and Monday night footy shows a miss.

The same advice applies to supporters of the West Coast Eagles and St Kilda. 

The post 5 Lessons Learned – AFL Round 6 appeared first on Ladbrokes Blog.

from Ladbrokes Blog https://www.ladbrokes.com.au/blog/2021/04/26/5-lessons-learned-afl-round-6/ https://blog.ent22vn.com/ ENT22 Việt Nam, nhà cái ENT22 trực tuyến uy tín Châu Á cung cấp các sản phẩm cá cược bóng đá, soi kèo bóng đá uy tín, game bài đổi thưởng, casino trực tuyến hấp dẫn nhất from Blogger http://bettingpunter1.blogspot.com/2021/04/5-lessons-learned-afl-round-6.html https://blog.ent22vn.com/ ENT22 Việt Nam, nhà cái ENT22 trực tuyến uy tín Châu Á cung cấp các sản phẩm cá cược bóng đá, soi kèo bóng đá uy tín, game bài đổi thưởng, casino trực tuyến hấp dẫn nhất

[fazcinatingblog]

"is it a coincidence that richmond were only successful throughout the trump presidency" omfg yes

[richmondtigersroar]

Dion Prestia

—

🐯🐯🐯

[leanpick]

Richmond Tigers midfielder Dion Prestia knocked out by brutal hit from Geelong Cat Tom Stewart

Richmond Tigers midfielder Dion Prestia knocked out by brutal hit from Geelong Cat Tom Stewart

Star Richmond midfielder Dion Prestia has been subbed off with concussion after receiving a forceful elbow from All-Australian Geelong defender Tom Stewart. Prestia was dazed and confused following the incident in the first quarter of Saturday’s monster round 15 game at the MCG. The triple premiership star had tapped a loose ball to Tigers teammate Jack Graham before Stewart came in late and…

[getseriouser]

20 THOUGHTS: Giants Pickett-apart

DID it easy. 

A Qualifying Final against the softest draw recipient in memory, into a Preliminary Final with a completely false minor premier, finishing with a Grand Final facing, well, you saw how competitive Saturday was.

All without Alex Rance, like it didn’t matter in the end.

Great side though, clearly the best team in this three-year period and two flags’ reward is nothing short of what they deserve.

So season 2019 done and dusted, Grand Final in the books, and now we trade.

 1.       Firstly, some self-appeasement. Before you promote others you must be able to promote yourself. It was the night of August 13th, and we quote “Nat Fyfe, if you can get anything over $3 for the Brownlow, just remortgage the house, don’t be subtle”. Not only have we seen many readers cash in, but all the home loan re-financing in doing so has re-stimulated the economy. Brilliant.

2.       174 votes from 173 games now, that’s just insane. Two medals, and then the one he lost to Matt Priddis by a vote even though he lost a week through suspension. In a market that asks “does he win another Brownlow?” I’d happily flutter on ‘Yes’.

3.       Anyway, back to the gratuitous love bites in the mirror section of the column, many said the Giants might make this close, some even picked them. Utter trash. Last week we led with the Tigers by 5 goals plus, and the only reason we didn’t go higher was just to be nice. So for anyone who turned Fyfe winnings into Tigers 39+, well done; this isn’t just a shit hot read each week but looks after your hip pocket as well.

4.       And lastly in this real look at me section of the column, Marlion Pickett. We declared right back the mid-season draft he was a gun, a steal of a selection and would be in the Tigers’ best 22 by year’s end. Nailed that call right out of the screws, that’s four all day, out through extra cover, don’t bother running.

5.       And what a game he played whilst we’re on him, looked assured, looked like he deserved to be out there on such a stage, in such a team. In fact I know the backstory might over-elevate how one could have seen his game, but in that second term I thought he was influential as any, especially getting the ball inside 50 (led all Richmond players on the day pretty sure). I know Martin has a sexy stat line, but for making a real difference, it was Pickett who could have snared the Norm Smith easily for mine.

6.       I get the Martin BOG pick, and what a resume that is now, but the influence Pickett had in getting the ball inside 50, plus Riewoldt who hit the scoreboard just as much as Dusty, I don’t think it was as clear cut. Houli too has now had two great Grand Finals and been pipped for the Norm twice. Shouldn’t go unheralded that.

7.       Mind you, what if Jason Castagna kicks straight, is it his Norm? Seriously influential in the second, very, very noticeable indeed.

8.       Tigers were 9th at the end of Round 14. Without Rance a show of coming back. That’s just a super effort.

9.       And then the Giants, are they the second best team of the year? Probably not. West Coast? Ended up fifth and barely made it out of the second week? Collingwood? On paper, probably, but you don’t feel great about it. Sure, might have been the best opposition for Richmond on the day but it was always going to be a Tigers flag this year post bye, no-one else was going to defeat them Saturday more to the point

10.   And also on GWS, even with all those really poo years when they came into the comp fronting up with teams fresh out of the creche, that was the Giant’s lowest ever score. Incredible.

11.   Justin Longmuir gets the Freo job, yeah mad. I got nothing on that. Scotty Burns looks favourite for the Crows too. Excellent. Top notch. I too have nothing on that.

12.   Bold 2020 prediction, one that doesn’t involve the Tigers coz that’s just too easy? Carlton Collingwood Grand Final. We’re seeing a pattern of teams launching from the bottom six of the table, Richmond, Collingwood, then Brisbane this year – a very talented Carlton with a good trade period could be that next iteration. And we also tend to see a revengeful prelim final loser make amends the year after, could that be the Pies next year, to then set up an almighty Grand Final for the ages? Get around it.

13.   Trades. Now stay woke. We now have beyond saturated press on this stuff now, and most of it will be as relevant as the nutritional information on a maccas cheeseburger.

Firstly. Herald Sun reported “Essendon says Joe Daniher will be a Bomber next year”. The only quote they used from Essendon was “the facts are he’s contracted for next year”. That headline and that quote are by no means joined at the hip. Not even close. And secondly, today, "The Swan to set to push Reid out of Pies", when Ben Reid has actually re-signed for 2020, and the ‘Swan’ in question is the untried Darcy Cameron, never played a game, not the reincarnation of Barry Round. So please, don’t say you haven’t been warned.

14.   That all said, lets see. Seems like Carlton ends up with Jack Martin, Eddie Betts, then one of Dan Butler or Tom Papley. I know it might not seem like much, but with a fit Sam Docherty returning, geez, bet against Carlton making the eight next year at your peril. I know, its Carlton, but you can’t say they’re not due.

15.   Tim Kelly, wants to go to West Coast, can they make it happen, probably not? Freo definitely can, so with the Cat this year actually out of contract, he might be destined for the draft if he doesn’t go Dockers. Could end up in purple after all.

16.   Sam Powell-Pepper and Orazio Fantasia, that ends up being some sort of swap deal for sure.

17.   After all that jazz, I reckon Joe Daniher stays. Story got ahead of everyone I reckon.

18.   Gold Coast, geez, how about that for a rescue package. And it is just that, a rescue. Top of the draft priority pick this year, middle first next year, end of first the year after. Plus they get Darwin as their zone and, when it comes to academy players, they can get them without clubs making bids for them. Massive package. Ludicrous. Here’s why, bear with, I’ll keep this as short as possible:

Last year, lost Tom Lynch, but got pick 3 for it in compo, got Izak Rankine, who I think is the most talented kid of last year’s lot. They also lost Steven May to Melbourne but got pack pick 6, Ben King. So yes, seeing their ex-skipper win a flag 12 months on stings but they’re not the first to see that happen, and they’ve already been really well compensated. We move on.

2017, lost Adam Saad for a second rounder, yeah sure, too lost Ablett back to Geelong after getting him for nothing in the first place, he did give that club a Brownlow. They also had pick 2 that year but spent it on getting Lachie Weller from Freo. Exactly! Their first pick was pick 19, Will Powell, yet Tim Kelly went five picks later.

Lastly, 2016, lost Dion Prestia but got pick 7 back, lost Jaeger O’Meara but got back 10. Went to the draft with 4, 7, 9 and 10, drafted Ainsworth, Scrimshaw (left last year for Hawthorn for squat all), Brodie and Bowes. Potatoes the lot of them. Meanwhile, Richmond got Shai Bolton at 29 and Jack Graham at 53.

Futhermore, in those same three trade periods, the Giants lost Jack Steele, Cam McCarthy, Paul Ahern, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Caleb Marchbank, Jarrod Pickett, Devon Smith, Nathan Wilson, Matthew Kennedy, Will Setterfield, Tom Scully, Dylon Shiel and Rory Lobb. The only player of note they’ve gotten back for losing so many has been Tim Taranto.

And just made a Grand Final.

So there’s three things here, one, its not a Suns issue, the Giants have lost heaps too and been just fine, sure, no-one of Tom Lynch’s quality, but it stacks up. Two, they don’t need more picks or access to picks, look at their track record, it hasn’t mattered any which way. And three, yes losing Lynch stings, but they’ve already been well compensated for that, its not as if they’re not getting back to the pointy end of the draft to restock.

Summing up, the Suns just need to stop making mistakes, or move. Whether they get picks, or go for Shaun Burgoyne, whether they get pick 1 or pick 50, whatever actions they take and decisions they make, they need to be good ones. Remember when retention wasn’t a Gold Coast issue but a Queensland footy issue, funny how that disappeared so quick it kinda makes you question how real a problem it was for Brisbane in the first place? Either Chris Fagan and Luke Hodge are in essence God and Jesus respectively, or it’s a non-issue. And then the Suns package today becomes a joke.

Either the Suns get out of this mess organically and its been a waste of time and way too much hot air, or guess what, they’re still desperately shit in three years post-package and Tassie is knocking on Gil’s door asking how much more than can do.

Anyway, where were we…

 19.   Footy Show Grand Final on Wednesday rated as well in Melbourne as the Front Bar did the following night. Interesting. Watch Nine commit to something for next year, not sure what, maybe it’s the Sunday Footy Show boys or something else, but a prime time offering from Nine next year got rubber stamped essentially off those numbers. Will it work? Let’s wait and see.

20.   And for anyone who thinks rules have ruined AFL, that score review or any adjustments to the laws have made it too hard to stick with after all these years – you’ve got nothing on the Rugby World Cup. The great game of Rugby, that’s always being very hard to referee anyway with all the tackles and rucks, has become impossible and any true-blue Aussie watching the Wales game Sunday, would make any nay-sayer AFL sceptic send Steve Hocking a Christmas Card. There’s always someone worse off, I assure you.

[israfel87]

Dion Prestia - Richmond Tigers