2015 season – 7th (post finals)
2016 prediction – 5th
THE BRIEF
So long the butt of jokes for continually finishing ninth, in the past few seasons the Tigers have been good enough to make the finals but just can’t seem to win one.
That might well be the case again this year, but I think this Tiger team is about to peak, push for a top four finish and, if it can, grab that all-important double chance in September. Although, as you can see, I have them fifth and missing the double. Damien Hardwick has been the man to lead the renaissance but does he have the cattle to take the Tigers to the promised land? I’m not entirely convinced. Not this season, anyway. The once mighty club has been subjected to a tragic few decades since its 1980 premiership but the man who leads them to the next flag will have an exalted place in Richmond’s rich history. Who knows? Maybe it is this year.
THE LOCK
Brett Deledio: Trent Cotchin might be the captain and viewed by many as the team’s star player – alongside Dustin Martin and Jack Riewoldt – but it’s Deledio who I believe has the biggest impact on the Tiger’s fortunes. They rarely win when he misses games and when he’s there he straightens them up and given them not only structure, but all important drive off half back. As a young journo in Shepparton, I did more than my fair share of stories on this kid from Kyabram who was poised to be the top pick in the draft, which he ultimately was. Now he’s a veteran in his late 20’s; boy do I feel old.
THE STOCK
Kane Lambert: He’s no kid but he is a rookie. Well, he was. Elevated off the rookie list last season, this mature age recruit slotted in to senior football seamlessly in his 13 matches. Like Michael Barlow at Fremantle a few years earlier, I can see Lambert making a more lasting impression in his second season.
THE SMOKIN’ BARREL
Ty Vickery: I remember thinking a little bit of Vickery very early days after he was just drafted and banging him in my ‘SuperCoach’ side. It wasn’t my finest move as he never did much and hasn’t done a heap since. That was until late last season. I think things might have clicked for the big fella and this is the season he is going to stamp his authority on the competition and win the hearts of the Tiger faithful.
