2007 End of Season Player Review
By Chris Greenway

Chris Newman:

Season 2007: would be hard to imagine a better return from a serious leg injury (broken midway through 2006). Played every game and contributed valuably in nearly all of them. Tends to be unaccountable and for a defender that’s a serious flaw. With over 100 games under his belt should be played more in the midfield.
Highlight/s: two chase down and text book tackles in consecutive weeks, proving that he has both strength and pace and a monster goal against Fremantle.
The Future: should be transitioned out of defence and into the midfield where he doesn’t have to be as accountable for his opponent and can also use his physically mature body and 100 plus games experience to assist the small and undermanned midfield.
April 2008 Update As expected Newman has been solid, at times verging on outstanding, has been run more through the midfield and is a better player for it, it also suits the team structure better. Blotted his copybook a little against Footscray when he inexplicably missed a goal from not far out when on the run and when he elected not to take the set shot from just outside 50 directly in front, either of those goals would have won Richmond the match.

Darren Gaspar:

Season 2007: only played 5 games before being told that due to Richmond’s youth policy the form of younger players could not guarantee him regular selection. He reacted with the sort of selfishness and petulance that has characterised his career and immediately retired.
Highlight/s: there weren’t any really in his 5 games, his retirement was a highlight for a number of supporters.
The Future: has moved back home to WA. Will probably pursue business interests and is unlikely to be involved with Richmond any more.

Brett Deledio:

Season 2007: struggled under the weight of expectation and the burden of getting a strong tag in a weak side. Broke his hand midway through the season against the Kangaroos and soon after getting back in was alternated between the forward line and the midfield, it was a move that worked and will probably decide his future.
Highlight/s: the 2nd Collingwood game in which he kicked 5 goals playing as a permanent forward.
The Future: should continue with the forward/midfield rotation which will see him be more of a James Hird type player rather than a Chris Judd.
April 2008 Update: Brett Deledio: the forward experiment seems to have been shelved, it would appear that he is a midfielder who can kick goals, rather than a forward who can play in the midfield. He’s more valuable in the former role as not only does he kick goals he sets them up for team mates.

Andrew Raines:

Season 2007: was unable to back up his 2006 breakout year. Often disappointing in defence and was not assisted by the decision to play him on much larger, physically stronger opponents. Needs to stop trying to do too much and break every tackle that is laid on him.
Highlight/s: the rare occasions he was moved into the midfield where his ability to create and break lines gave him a chance to shine.
The Future: needs to be given opponents he matches up better physically on and be given more time on the ball, with that he could emulate his famous father. Could even be thrown up as trade bait in the off season.
April 2008 Update: The son of Geoff seemed to be working into his 2006 form when he dislocated his knee in Rd 2 against North Melbourne. Now he has to get the knee right and come back, given that the current team is working so well together it will not be an easy task to regain his spot.

Troy Simmonds:

Season 2007: after a stellar 2006 Simmo had a year he’d like to forget. A broken ankle met he missed most of the preseason. Came back too early and was forced to take a break to let the ankle heal. Was seriously underdone when he did return with 2 decent ankles, then an unspecified virus that turned out to be a blood clot kept him out for the rest of the season. Will take 4 months to properly recover.
Highlight/s: there weren’t any, see above.
The Future: has to fully recover from the blood clot and put in as big a preseason as he can and then attempt to reach where he was in 2006. The side is in desperate need of a competitive ruckman.
April 2008 Update: I thought Simmonds would find it hard to get back to his 2006 form, but he’s slotted in beautifully, if anything he’s quicker than in 2006, although not as dominant around the ground. He does make us a better side, because with him we become competitive in the ruck.

Graham Polak:

Season 2007: the troubled Fremantle defender found a new home at Tigerland and excelled as a loose man in defence with strong marking being a feature of his play.
Highlight/s: nothing in particular stands out, although the successful move forward against Collingwood in round 19 resulted in 2 early goals and set up the win.
The Future: now that he has a solid fitness base should take up a key defensive role and the backline should be built around him.
April 2008 Update: I thought Polak would be the CHB and should be kept away from the forward line, however he’s been played mostly forward and is, with the possible exception of Matthew Richardson, the best mark in the team, if he could learn to kick for goal better a lot of Richmond’s forward woes would be solved right there.

Nathan Brown:

Season 2007: the mercurial forward had his season delayed by continuing problems with the leg he broke in 2005. He returned midway through the season, although I doubt he’ll ever be back to the player he was prior to the leg injury he is still creative and dangerous and proved so in the latter half of 2007.
Highlight/s: the return against Melbourne where he kicked a few goals and set up a number for his team mates, highlighting his value to the team.
The Future: wants an injury free season, will continue to cause headaches for opposition defenders and should also be given the captaincy.
April 2008 Update: whilst Browny will never be where he was in 2005 again he has proved to be dangerous in most of the 6 matches this season. He can kick miracle goals and provide team mates with opportunities that just don’t exist without him and he commands the attention of a quality defender every week.

Jack Riewoldt:

Season 2007: the first year draftee was lively and enthusiastic, has a lot to learn and some physical development to do, but laid strong claims to the long term key forward role.
Highlight/s: although the second Port Adelaide game was nothing to get excited about Riewoldt’s goals were encouraging signs of things to come.
The Future: like many of his young team mates needs to hit the gym and build up, will also learn as he continues to play.
April 2008 Update: Jack is establishing himself. He can mark the ball, he backs himself, he can kick goals, he’s also got a lot smarter in the short time he’s been playing at this level. A glimpse into the future of the club.

Shane Edwards:

Season 2007: this lightly built draftee played most games and was lively in the midfield and near goals, needs to temper his enthusiasm and learn that there are things you can do in the juniors that won’t work in senior football.
Highlight/s: the game against Adelaide where he was favourably compared with another South Australian Carlton champion Craig Bradley.
The Future: will put weight in his frame and this will allow him to break tackles and take his game play to another level.
April 2008 Update: tipped as one to watch last year he took a couple of games to get back into the senior side this year, but since doing so has not looked back, always dangerous and opposition teams have not yet worked out that it’s trouble to let him anywhere near the ball if a goal is needed.

Joel Bowden:

Season 2007: the pressure of continually having to line up against the competition’s monster forwards took it’s toll and those lazy bad habits crept back in. Not a season Joel will look back on fondly.
Highlight/s: he may have enjoyed the few occasions he had the freedom to run from the backline and kick the odd goal.
The Future: needs to be moved out of the key defensive position and be allowed to create and run from the backline.
April 2008 Update: after doing what he always does Joel put in an absolute shocker against Paul Medhurst of Collingwood and was subsequently dropped. He’s played okay for Coburg, but has not seriously been considered for senior selection since. Most however believe that it is an inevitability that he will earn his spot back before the end of the season.

Matthew Richardson:

Season 2007: this should have been Richo’s year. From an individual point of view he was outstanding. 53 goals, 22 games, no serious injury, his 250th game, but unfortunately from a team point of view he would be disappointed.
Highlight/s: a huge mark against Collingwood in round 19 and winning his first club best and fairest.
The Future: nothing needs to change, as long as he just keeps on keeping on and remains injury free everyone will be happy.
April 2008 Update: you cannot say enough about Richo. At the age of 33 he has been reinvented as a goal kicking wingman with a licence to roam. He would be leading the Tigers best and fairest at this stage of the season.

Trent Knobel:

Season 2007: a debilitating injury took it’s toll and prevented the back up ruckman from playing a game. Retired at the end of the season.
Highlight/s: see above.
The Future: intends to move back home to QLD and start a business, may play some local football in the QAFL.

Dean Polo:

Season 2007: could not back up from 2006 and was dropped early for disciplinary reasons, cut his season short to have surgery on a troublesome shoulder.
Highlight/s: I don’t know if it qualifies as a highlight, but the spotted hairdo he took into the Bulldogs game in round 4 raised a few eyebrows.
The Future: big preseason to get the shoulder right and back into the midfield to help the side out.
April 2008 Update: has not returned well from the shoulder injury. Played one game againstNorth Melbourne and probably shouldn’t have. Had virtually no impact and has been at Coburg since in an effort to get fitness and confidence back.

Kayne Pettifer:

Season 2007: the goal sneak struggled in the first half of the season, but finished off the year strongly, was no coincidence that his form line went up with the return of Nathan Brown. Finished the season with 30+ goals.
Highlight/s: no real one highlight, but his celebrations after a goal are worth watching.
The Future: he is continually mentioned as trade bait, but given that the side is not blessed with 30+ goal kickers I’m not really sure why, a perceived lack of courage is not a valid reason. Expect to see him line up in the forward line again.
April 2008 Update: he was getting his usual return of a goal per game before an indiscretion on Collingwood’s Nick Maxwell saw him get suspended for a week. Has played the last two games for Coburg and his performances have not helped his bid for senior selection.

Patrick Bowden:

Season 2007: did not perform early and was dropped back to Coburg, where he promptly got injured. Came back strongly for Coburg, but did not register another senior appearance.
Highlight/s: a few multiple goal performances for Coburg.
The Future: should join the delistees, a good VFL player, but that’s as far as his talent goes.

Kane Johnson:

Season 2007: not a good one for the captain. Played with a hand injury for most of the year and it severely affected his form and ability, one does question why he was allowed to continue playing if it was that bad. Added very little value in most games and was know for kicking the ball backwards, onfield leadership was virtually non existent.
Highlight/s: maybe the first game against Carlton when he kicked the ball 40 metres in the wrong direction, not a highlight, but it gave everyone a laugh.
The Future: will be allowed to play out the last year of his contract, but not as the captain. Unless things improve markedly will consider retirement after that.
April 2008 Update: I’ve been a big critic of Johnson’s, but he has made me eat my words this season. Regularly in the side’s best since the Fremantle game. He plays a tagging role and manages to collect plenty of the ball himself, he is also going forward more than backwards and that has helped his game and the team’s.

Kent Kingsley:

Season 2007: why oh why Terry? Why did you recruit this serial failure? One of the biggest mistakes of the season. Came to the club injured and never really recovered. Registered one senior game and retired at the end of the season.
Highlight/s: see above.
The Future: don’t really know or care, will probably end up back at Geelong in some capacity.

Ray Hall:

Season 2007: I really feel for Rayzor. Marooned on 99 games with a groin injury and unable to get out on the park. Retired at the end of the season.
Highlight/s: see above.
The Future: not really sure. He may go back home to NSW as he has always seemed to want to go back there.

Shane Tuck:

Season 2007: due to the dearth of inside midfielders, not helped by injuries to Mark Coughlan and Dean Polo and Kane Johnson’s stunning loss of form, Tuck was forced to play a lone hand there, he also had to pinch hit in the ruck occasionally. He was very good at extracting the ball, but was too often forced to kick hurriedly and this severely detracted from the value of his possessions.
Highlight/s: anytime he had the space to move forward and have a shot at goal.
The Future: desperately needs some help inside, moving Chris Newman there may provide that assistance. Should never be forced to play ruck again and must improve his kicking under pressure. Would be a handy pick up in trade for another club, but is required too much at Richmond to consider it.
April 2008 Update: I still have question marks about his kicking, but he gets plenty of the ball and is very useful in throwing his weight around in the middle and extracting the ball from packs.

Danny Meyer:

Season 2007: I’m probably more disappointed with Meyer than with any other player at the club. From the time he was drafted I have thought he had everything: tall for his position, quick, clever, skilled, the only issue was his size. He has appeared disinterested and cannot get the ball, he has failed to gain any weight. It’s obvious that he does not want to be at Richmond, barely added to his senior games tally.
Highlight/s: nothing.
The Future: Richmond need to cut him loose, trade him back home to South Australia whilst people can still remember he was top 20 in the draft and has some value attached to him.

Daniel Jackson:

Season 2007: the value of perseverance. Daniel always worked hard and always wanted to play, the issue was finding a spot. This year he became a classy tagger who could kick goals, now he’s found a spot he should hold it.
Highlight/s: the draw against Brisbane where he held former Brownlow medallist Simon Black to 16 ineffective touches.
The Future: will continue to be the first tagging option and can also become the desperately needed enforcer.
April 2008 Update: not sure what the situation is here. Played well on Chris Judd against Carlton, seemed to be hampered by the enormous bandage around his ear from a knock the previous week and was barely sighted against Collingwood. Was dropped after that match and has been close to senior selection, but unable to dislodge anyone as yet.

Mark Coughlan:

Season 2007: yet another player who had his season wrecked by injury. Coughlan’s 2007 was over before it even started. A slip in the shower at home required a knee reconstruction on the knee that had just been rebuilt after an onfield mishap in 2006.
Highlight/s: see above.
The Future: hopefully the knee is sound and he can put in a full pre season, go into the midfield, help Shane Tuck out and give the likes of Nathan Foley some quality ball.

Jay Schulz:

Season 2007: Jay had everything go right in 2007 and should have stamped himself as the next forward. He didn’t. There were no excuses, no injuries, plenty of opportunity and he failed to impact one single senior game, his normal accuracy in front of goals also deserted him.
Highlight/s: there was one 9 goal game for Coburg.
The Future: the club have to decide whether he is worth persevering with or whether they would be better served by trading him elsewhere for a player with a better work ethic.
April 2008 Update: Sarge was switched from attack to defence and has slotted into CHB nicely where it suits his crash and bang style of play. Versatile enough to slip forward and kick the odd goal. Underrated player who appears to be going places.

Adam Pattison:

Season 2007: this was probably the making of Patto. Forced by injury to play in the ruck for most of the year he did not buckle under the pressure and actually developed as a footballer throughout the season.
Highlight/s: no one incident, but the very fact that he came out the other end relatively unscathed and strengthened by his ‘baptism of fire’ was a highlight for me.
The Future: will not always play as the first ruck and can gradually be moved into a key position role, seems to be able to play either forward or back as required.
April 2008 Update: you need a backup ruckman and that’s what Patto is. He doesn’t return great numbers, but he gives Simmonds a rest or a chance to play elsewhere and holds his own in the ruck.

Andrew Krakouer:

Season 2007: this was a make or break year for Krakouer. After 100+ games he has still been unable to find consistency. Dropped to Coburg soon after playing his 100th and was not able to win senior selection for the rest of the year.
Highlight/s: his 100th game, it was a loss, but it’s a significant milestone for any player.
The Future: the fact that even after encouraging performances for Coburg he was still not selected for the senior side says that the writing is on the wall and whether Andy is traded or delisted he’s unlikely to be at Richmond in 2008.

Carl Petersen:

Season 2007: spent most of the year recovering from osteitis pubis and it was known that he would not be able to get a senior game.
Highlight/s: a successful recovery from OP that allowed him to play any football at all this season.
The Future: has to be fully fit, work his way into Coburg seniors and then think about the Richmond team.

Jarrod Oakley-Nicholls:

Season 2007: how on earth was this player selected at number 8 in the 2005 National Draft? He doesn’t look bad, moves well, gets hold of the ball and then delivers it directly to an opposition player.
Highlight/s: his unerringly accurate kicking that just seemed to hit opponent’s on the chest laces out.
The Future: you don’t want to give up on a high draft pick in his 2nd year, but unless he can start kicking with any accuracy he does more damage than good.

Richard Tambling:

Season 2007: the endless comparisons with Lance Franklin and Franklin’s rise this season have not helped the shy young Northern Territorian. Struggled early and after one dreadful performance was dropped to Coburg, it gave him the kick up the backside he needed and from that point on he steadily improved.
Highlight/s: 4 goals in the 1st quarter of the round 5 clash against the Eagles highlighted how good he can be.
The Future: confidence. That’s what Tambling is all about. He needs to play a key role in a big win and he won’t look back. He has the talent to rip a game apart and we’re all waiting to see it happen.
April 2008 Update: Ritchie has been one of the things that is making Richmondsupporters smile this year. He’s been thrown into the middle and he is loving it, going in hard, tackling, getting the ball, using his speed and skills. He’s also kicking the sort of goals we knew he could kick when he was recruited.

Chris Hyde:

Season 2007: started off okay, but quickly tailed off and his contribution became negligible, was caught twice in quick succession during the second Port Adelaide game displaying an incredible lack of awareness. Was dropped after that game and unable to regain his spot.
Highlight/s: the two quick goals against Melbourne when he was left standing at centre half forward without an opponent.
The Future: will probably be retained for the final year of his contract, but would need a huge 2008 to get an extension.
April 2008 Update: somehow he’s getting a game each week, has played 4 of the 6. I don’t think he does enough, but then again he doesn’t make enough mistakes to be dropped either.

Greg Tivendale:

Season 2007: although Tivendale was still very likely to turn the ball over under pressure he played relatively well and was a useful finisher.
Highlight/s: the two running goals against Melbourne and there were a number of games where Tivendale’s goals were the ones that got the team going.
The Future: would be a handy trade to a team with a core of hard players, his finishing skills would complement such a team. Will more than likely be kept due to the lack of experienced players in the current Richmond side.
April 2008 Update: the career is coming to an end, has played one game against Collingwood and was useless. Plays well for Coburg, but that’s about his level.

Brent Hartigan:

Season 2007: although injuries continued to dog Hartigan he did manage to register a senior appearance against Hawthorn, but only distinguished himself by giving away a free kick and then losing his temper with the umpire.
Highlight/s: nothing, not even for Coburg.
The Future: very hard to see any future for him at Tigerland beyond being delisted.

Cleve Hughes:

Season 2007: he looks the part and at times plays it, but simply doesn’t impact enough at a physical level to suggest that he can hold down a key forward position.
Highlight/s: had a nice game with a goal or two against West Coast in round 5, also took a some good grabs that afternoon.
The Future: his spot probably isn’t in danger, but if he wants to keep it against opposition like Riewoldt then he needs to inject some physicality into his game.
April 2008 Update: did well in the forward line for the first 2 weeks, but missed shots he should have kicked against North Melbourne. Regularly kicks goals for Coburg and I think he’d be a good swap for Hyde.

Matthew White:

Season 2007: I like White, he’s a trier. Sometimes that isn’t enough, but White has pace and solid skills. He hasn’t cemented a spot, yet, but I think he’s shown enough that he can do so.
Highlight/s: his finals series for Coburg.
The Future: needs to be given more senior games and the chance to become the small defender that Richmond have needed for some time.
April 2008 Update: I’ve always liked White. He’s been given an opportunity this season and taken it with both hands, he’s learning quickly and his speed gives the side great drive from the backline and through the middle.

Will Thursfield:

Season 2007: the pressure was on the skinny kid coming back from a knee reconstruction. Lined up at full back regularly and if he got the support from his team mates was generally able to at least break even with his bigger, stronger opponent.
Highlight/s: the game itself wasn’t memorable, but he was given a Rising Star nomination for his last game of the season against St Kilda, ironically enough it was against the Saints in 2006 that he did his knee.
The Future: will continue to play at full back and once he can put some weight on will be developed as a Matthew Scarlett, Darren Glass type key defender.
April 2008 Update: the great white hope in the backline. The faith shown in Willy T has paid off. He still needs weight, but he’s clever, quick, agile, learns from his mistakes and has far better disposal than his predecessor; Darren ‘I cannot kick’ Gaspar.

Travis Casserly:

Season 2007: there are big wraps on Travis, although with what little I have seen of him I don’t know why. From a personal point of view I can’t see him making it.
Highlight/s: I haven’t seen any yet.
The Future: his ambition should be to register at least one senior game in 2008, which would be more than he’s been able to do in the 2 years he’s been on the list.

Luke McGuane:

Season 2007: Luke spent more time playing for Richmond than Coburg and given his form in 2006 that’s a surprise. Initially too slow and frail, but he improved as the season wore on. Looked a cut above VFL when he helped Coburg out during their finals campaign.
Highlight/s: the final game of the year against St Kilda was nice, showcased all his skills, especially his tackling.
The Future: get on the weights and build some muscle, should also work on his kicking, other than that will make a key defender.
April 2008 Update: took until Rd 4 to register his first game, while he’s still painfully slow and his kicking needs work he plays a useful role in the backline and is good relief for Thursfield and Moore.

Daniel Connors:

Season 2007: he only played 3 games, but he knows what the game is about. Not afraid to have a go and shows some real spirit, also likes a spectacular mark.
Highlight/s: his marking, both for Coburg and Richmond. Took a beauty against Geelong and was awarded the VFL mark of the year for one of his 2 contenders.
The Future: give him more game time and watch him go. Will be a gun.

Kelvin Moore:

Season 2007: took a long time to break into the side and while his pace is impressive, his decision making isn’t.
Highlight/s: some of the runs during the VFL finals series for Coburg.
The Future: it’s hard to know what to do with Kelvin. On the one hand his height (not quite key position) makes it hard for him to find an appropriate spot, however he has pace and his skills are far from the worst on the list. The fact that this is a weak draft may get him one more year to show that he can cement a spot in the team. this season was probably the last roll of the dice for Kel, he has risen above what many thought he was and become a dangerous backman. He’s got some pretty big scalps dangling from his belt this season, including Lance Franklin.

Nathan Foley:

Season 2007: this was one definite shining light in a dark year. Nathan Foley. He went from being a young player on the fringes to a premier centreman in one season. Pace, good strength for his size, a football brain and high quality of skills with both hand and foot, there’s not much Foley doesn’t have.
Highlight/s: on two occasions Foley burst out of the centre and kicked a wonderful running goal, most memorable was round 19 against Collingwood, 2nd in the best and fairest and was also included in the All Australian Squad only narrowly missing selection in the final 22.
The Future: providing he stays fit, it’s all bright, if he can get some bigger bodied experienced players around him then he should go from strength, and strength and those players will make it harder to tag him and curb his brilliance.
April 2008 Update: has just gone on with last season and is rarely ever beaten. His one bad game this year was against North Melbourne and their master tagger Brady Rawlings.

Tasman Clingan:

Season 2007: rookie who did not even regularly make Coburg seniors.
Highlight/s: just being rookied would have been a highlight.
The Future: unlikely to remain on the rookie list when there are others in Coburg pushing for the spot.

Cameron Howat:

Season 2007: was pressing strongly for the coveted spot on an AFL list and was given a chance due to long term injuries. Didn’t really make the most of it. Very like a young Greg Tivendale, but without the finishing skills.
Highlight/s: I think he kicked the occasional goal on the run which looked nice.
The Future: more than likely cut from the list.
April 2008 Update: played the first game against Carlton and actually looked okay until he and Jordan Haslett had a set to and Howat was suspended. As a rookie he has to rely on an injury before he can be selected again.

Angus Graham:

Season 2007: big, young ruckman from King Island on the rookie list. Played 2 games, one against Geelong and then against Collingwood where he unfortunately broke his ankle.
Highlight/s: his debut against Geelong was a major step for Angus.
The Future: will probably be retained on the rookie list due to Richmond’s lack of talls.

Andy Collins:

Season 2007: a project player, looked okay when he did play senior footy for Coburg.
Highlight/s: making an AFL list.
The Future: both he and the club know he’s got a long way to go, will get another chance to push up next year.

Jake King:

Season 2007: Jake’s a mature age rookie who fitted nicely into the back pocket. Despite there not being a lot of Jake he can take a bump and give them out and won’t back down from a fight. Ran very nicely out of the backline once he realised that he belonged in AFL football.
Highlight/s: some of his runs out of defence, celebrating his first ever win against Melbourne.
The Future: should be elevated off the rookie list and will fit nicely back into the back pocket.
April 2008 Update: who doesn’t love Richmond’s little big man? At around 5’6” he’s taken 50 marks and is 8th on the list in the AFL. He never gives less than 110% and won’t back down. He has won the hearts of Richmond fans and the opposition. Having a big season.

Jordan McMahon:

April 2008 Update: whilst I still believe he was expensive with pick 19 he has steadily improved and has been a valuable addition to the team and allowed players like Newman to play further up the ground.

Mitch Morton:

April 2008 Update: took a few games to get selected and was quiet in the first game he played against Collingwood, but has been lively since. Looks to be a real find and will make it very hard for Pettifer to get back into the team.