1: Chris Newman
He didn’t do much wrong. Played more from the back line than I would have liked to have seen, but had some good runs through the midfield, he sets play up well from there. In a number of games it was Newman who stood up and took on the opposition, sparking his team mates. Has been touted as a future captain and led the team well when Johnson’s absence due to injury allowed him to do so. The team could do a lot worse than name Chris Newman as the captain. Was 5th in the best and fairest voting and won the most courageous player.

2: Will Thursfield
Continued to be the Tigers ‘great white hope’ in the backline. Still looks light on, but I don’t know that he’ll ever put a lot of weight on. He can play though, agile and quick, which often throws his opponent off, a nice kick, which is more than Gaspar ever was. Had an injury enforced lay off and returned a little more defensive than before, but was getting back into his more attacking mindset by seasons end. He’ll be alright and a good leader in the developing backline.

3: Brett Deledio
After the forward experiment was shelved (it lasted one game), Deledio went back to where he belongs; the midfield, and starred. He lifted his average possessions per game to 24, kicked over 20 goals for the season and created or gave away twice that many for others. He’s a nightmare to match up on, over 6 feet tall, strong, lightning quick, highly skilled and can take a really good mark. He’s the future and he’ll be one of the foundation blocks that the Tigers build a team around. Became the 2nd youngest ever winner of the Jack Dyer medal and also picked up the Army award for an act of courage during the St Kilda game earlier in the season.

4: Andrew Raines
The year was almost over before it began for the son of Geoff. Andy couldn’t go on with it after his break out year of 2006 (runner up in the Rising Star) and had a poor 2007. He looked to be running into some form in the game and a half he played in 2008 before dislocating his knee against North Melbourne. Once he had completed his rehab and was trying to play himself back into the senior side via Coburg persistent injuries thwarted his claims to a spot in the seniors and the 2 games he registered at the start of the season remained his tally for the year. Would have to be considered trade bait at the best.

5: Troy Simmonds
After a wretched, injury ruined 2007, the big ruckman completed an impressive pre season and was definitely as fit, if not fitter, than at any other stage in his career. His ruck work early in the season was also very good and he was selected as the starting ruckman in the Victorian side for the Vics VS The Rest game mid season. At times due to his lack of height he can be beaten in the middle of the ground, but his athleticism makes him an asset around the ground, can also provide a useful marking option in the forward line. A good comeback season, but a young, quality back up is required.

6: Graham Polak
Even before the accident with the tram Polak was not having the best of seasons. He had been inconsistent at best and spent time playing for Coburg. Part of this was caused by switching him between attack and defence without giving him a chance to settle at either end. Had he been able to get his kicking for goal sorted out, his strong marking would have made him into a very viable forward this season and beyond. At present given the nature of the injuries he sustained when hit by the tram his future as a footballer is under a serious cloud.

7: Nathan Brown
There was little hope at the start of the season that even with 2 good legs that Browny could regain his 2005 form. It took a while, but late in the season he was most definitely back, even half fit he commands a good defender and if let loose will carve teams up, he’s also the kind of player who has the knack of kicking multiple goals when they’re needed and he can bring other players into the game with creative play. He unfortunately sustained a leg injury (not the same leg he broke in 2005) late in the season and missed the last 3 games. Will be a big part of any 2009 finals push.

8: Jack Riewoldt
Young Jack showed promise last year and he continued to deliver on that this season. Highlight was the 5 goal haul against West Coast over there at Subiaco, which earned him a Rising Star nomination. He’s unlikely to kick bags every week or even collect big stats, but he can kick for goal, he provides a good marking target, he always gives a contest and as he gains weight and confidence will become a clever and formidable forward for the Tigers. Can be pleased with his second year.

9: Trent Cotchin
Kicked a goal with his first kick in league football and it wasn’t totally unexpected. This young man is football gold. The only problem he has is a tendency to give the ball to the wrong player, this will change with experience. Third in the Rising Star and had he not missed the first 8 rounds of the season due to injury he would have won it easily. Will be an absolute superstar. Was unsurprisingly voted as the best first year player at the clubs best and fairest celebration.

10: Shane Edwards
After a satisfying debut year found it a little hard to back up this season. Came good in the last half of the season, still needs some muscle, but is a dangerous and creative player who has a long future ahead of him at Tigerland.

11: Joel Bowden
Endure what was, for him, a turbulent season. Dropped to Coburg for four weeks early in the year Joel had to fight his way back into the seniors. Initially returned playing forward of the wing, but as soon as things became a little tight in defence back there he went. Saved 2 games in the backline with totally different forms of play. Won the Port Adelaide game with a saving mark on the last line of defence and then got the team over the line against Essendon by eating up time simply walking the ball back between the goals. Also considered the match winner against Brisbane by kicking a goal late in the game when it was needed. By the end of the season he was spending more time in attack than defence and that is how it should be.

12: Matthew Richardson
One of the highlights of the season was seeing Richo reinvented as a roaming wingman at the age of 33. Somehow he still managed to kick 48 goals for the season, lead the AFL in marks and cover more ground than nearly any other player in the competition. There is only one word that fits this man: LEGEND. Was a little unlucky not to win his 2nd Jack Dyer medal, came 3rd, but did miss a few games later in the season due to injury. Came equal 3rd in the Brownlow Medal and very nearly took the award off. Who knows what would have happened if he had played a decent game in the last round.

13: Jordan McMahon
There’s no polite way to say this, but Jordan is a front runner. There’s nothing wrong with a classy finisher in a powerful, high scoring side, unfortunately Richmond is not that side, at least not yet. When the side is on top and doing well Jordan runs hard from defence and drops the ball on the chests of team mates laces out, but when things are tough and you need someone to stand up you don’t look to Jordan, he becomes hesitant and nervous, he makes bad decisions and puts team mates under pressure. I, and most of the rest of the competition, still can’t believe that Richmond coughed up pick no 19 for McMahon. He holds his spot, but he was not worth what the side gave up to get him. It’s still got me shaking my head how he finished top 10 in the best and fairest votes.

14: Dean Polo
Two years after debuting with a best on ground performance and then playing the rest of the season as to the ‘go to’ tagger Polo should not be finding his career at the crossroads, but he does. A shoulder injury that required reconstructive surgery ended his 2007 season. He’s returned fit, but injuries of that nature take time, even the great Wayne Carey required a full season before he regained his touch. There’s talk about trading him, but I’d like to see him be given 2009 to prove himself, it was unrealistic to expect him to get back to where he was in 2006 given the nature of his injury.

15: Kayne Pettifer
I very much fear Kayne’s career is over. He looked strangely unmotivated at the start of the season and was subsequently dropped to Coburg, his play there did not earn him his spot back and late in the season he did his knee. He would have been hard to trade with two good knees, but with one that will keep him out for the better part of 2009 that’s almost impossible, it’s not a nice thing to do, but the team is in the business to win Premierships, not help out injured players who are no longer under contract, I can’t see any other option, but to delist Pettifer.

16: Luke McGuane
At the end of 2007 Luke had two things that were preventing him from becoming a regular senior player: his kicking and the length of time it took him to make decisions. He’s worked on both and while his kicking isn’t the equal of Gary Ablett it’s a whole lot better than what it was, he’s also making decisions quicker and finding out that your first option is usually your best one. Has lifted his game and become a member of a young, developing, dynamic back line.

17: Kane Johnson
The captain’s 2008 season has leant weight to the explanation that his 2007 was hampered by a hand injury. No one has yet answered the question of if he had an injury that affected his game so badly why was he playing? This year he’s gone into the middle and used his toughness and experience to help out the younger running brigade, when he gets the ball, which is often, he drives it forward, unlike 2007 when he looked for any option but the one going towards goal. One criticism is that he has shown a reluctance to take responsibilty to go for goal himself. The captain has to take the shot. He’ll be around for another couple of years, but may relinquish the captaincy. Proved that he had improved by finishing top 10 in the Jack Dyer medal count.

18: Alex Rance
Son of former Western Bulldogs and West Coast player Murray Rance, tipped to be a key position backman, made the jump from Coburg reserves to seniors and is a work in progress. Will play some senior AFL football next year.

19: Dean Putt
Backup ruckman. They take a while to develop and as a consequence Dean spent most of this season playing reserves for Coburg, he should transition into the seniors next year, but we may have to wait a bit longer before we see him for the Richmond side. You have to be patient with the big kids.

20: Mitch Morton
One of the best recent trades I can remember Richmond making. Medium sized forwards who can mark strongly, kick goals and create opportunities for team mates don’t grow on trees and somehow the West Coast Eagles let Mitch go for pick no 35. He’d have to continue on it next season, but 30 + goals this year and some eye catching play hasn’t been a bad start to his career at Tigerland.

21: Shane Tuck
The son of Michael has been steadily making a name for himself at Richmond as an enforcer type that can get the ball out of the middle. This year he improved his kicking, his kick and hope that it works out method was becoming a liability and he also became a ball magnet, regularly attracting 30 + possessions a game, especially in the second half of the season. Featured strongly in the Jack Dyer medal count and came home with a rush, only a brilliant season by Brett Deledio prevented him from doing what his father could never do at Hawthorn.

22: Danny Meyer
It’s a shame that Danny doesn’t look like making it. He’s got pace, brains and skill, but he hasn’t muscled up and he can’t go and get the ball. Injuries have prevented him from taping another step, but the best option is to trade him for whatever is offered.

23: Daniel Jackson
As a player Jackson frustrates me. He’s a good size, has some muscle on him, not afraid of anybody, he can kick goals and has some decent scalps hanging from his belt as a tagger, yet he still struggles to be selected and has a tendency to negate his good play with bad play, often during the same game. Worth giving another year for his attributes.

24: Mark Coughlan
You have to feel sorry for Coughlan. In 2003 he had a breakout year, won the club’s best and fairest award and looked headed for super star status. In 2004 he was out for most of the year with the dreaded osteitis pubis, he returned in 2005 and did play nearly every game, but he was out of touch. He had just regained his poise in 2006 when he did his knee and spent the rest of the year recovering, the injury recurred pre season in 2007. He was ready to begin in 2008, but a niggling calf injury sidelined him again. In desperation he went to Germany to try a radical treatment involving the injection of animal blood into the calf. It seemed to work, because he returned and played the rest of the games in the VFL season with no complications, he picked up 40 possessions against the Bendigo Bombers in the last game of the home and away season. With a solid pre season under his belt Coughlan can make his long awaited AFL return and give some valuable assistance in the middle to Tuck and Johnson.

25: Jay Schulz
Just like with Jackson Schulz is also a frustrating player to watch. He’s got the size and ability to play key position in either attack or defence. He often appears to be laid back, but I think that’s just the way he is. Due to the injury to Polak and the fact that he may not return Schulz’s versatility makes him an important player for the future. He can take marks and kick goals, but he has to get that worrying tendency to follow a piece of inspirational play up with a poor one.

26: Adam Pattison
Many expected Adam to go forward after his baptism by fire in 2007. Unfortunately he has not really been able to step up. On the plus side big guys do take longer to develop. Adam has more pace and a bigger engine than most ruckmen, however his marking needs work, he’s frightened to kick and he often looks as awkward as a giraffe on stilts. Terry Wallace did say that he believed the best of Pattison would not be seen until 2009. I hope that next year is Adam’s year.

27: Clayton Collard
I don’t know an awful lot about Collard beyond the fact that he spent a year on Fremantle’s list before Richmond rookie listed him. He seems to have been recruited as a possible small forward/goal sneak. Once his fitness was up to scratch he showed that he may have some definite possibilities in that role. Will probably get rookie listed again for 2009.

29: Jarrod Oakley-Nicholls
Oakley-Nicholls is a serious worry. He can find the ball and he has some toe, but that’s about where it ends. In the three years he’s been on the list I’d be surprised if he’s put on a single kilo and he still has problems kicking accurately. He was recruited by Greg Miller at the insanely high pick of 8 because he had some supposed ‘X Factor’. There has been no evidence of this and the player should be delisted.

30: Richard Tambling
It’s taken a while for Richie to develop, but this season he finally looks to have arrived. His position seems to have been found. It was originally thought that he would be a midfielder or a small forward, but his place was found running off half back. Finding the right spot on the ground also increased his confidence which was something else he needed. Tambling enjoyed a good 2008, but 2009 should be even better.

31: Chris Hyde
Every club has a surplus of players like Chris, that means to make it you have to be so much better than everyone else. A few years ago it looked as if Hyde was going to do just that, however a fractured skull sustained in a horrific collision with St Kilda’s Matt Maguire put him back to square one. He was given the opportunity to see if he could be used as a tagger, but successive thrashings from Gary Ablett Jr and Adam Goodes got him dropped back to Coburg and he was told late in the season that his contract would not be renewed.

32: Greg Tivendale
When Tivendale was first elevated off the rookie list way back in 1998 he looked like a wingman with a classy left foot. Unfortunately he had no right foot. Tivendale did have a couple of good years where he ran well off the wing and finished nicely off that long, accurate left foot. The last few years haven’t been good for Greg. He developed a tendency to panic and turn the ball over at the slightest hint of pressure. He played 3 games in 2008, the first 2 were forgettable and had supporters calling for his head. Ironically the 3rd game was not too bad, what was ironic about was that it was his farewell game, he was delisted at the end of the home and away season.

33: David Gourdis
The young forward was tipped by some observers to be taken top 10 in the 2007 draft. Surprisingly he was overlooked altogether due to some perceived problems with his kicking. Richmond picked him up in the pre season draft, he’s raw and needs work and time. The signs for Coburg reserves in the second half of the season were encouraging and he seems to be worth persevering with.

34: Cleve Hughes
The club has been waiting for Cleve to come on and take a key forward role for a few years. It may have happened this year. He started in the seniors and showed that he was willing to put the body on the line to take a mark, this was a good sign, but he was dropped back to Coburg when he failed to kick goals accurately. He fought his way back into the seniors and following a fantastic performance against Port Adelaide where he teamed well with Mitch Morton and kicked 6 goals he was hailed as the new forward. Unfortunately Cleve was present the night Graham Polak was hit by the tram, the experience shook him up and he struggled with form after that. He spent the remainder of the season playing for Coburg, but was kicking goals again by the end of it.

35: Matt White
Matt’s story is not unlike that of Gourdis. White missed out in the National Draft and was then picked up by the Tigers. He made his debut that year playing a few games in the back pocket. He was overlooked the following year a lot, but showed a turn of speed on the occasions he did win senior selection, his contributions for Coburg in the middle of the ground did not go unnoticed. 2008 has been White’s breakout year. He was selected for the seniors early in the year and did not look back. He slotted straight into the midfield and was a great help to Foley, he’s very quick, skilled and strong through the hips, so can break tackles, his main weakness is a tendency to get a little ‘goal happy’. Won most improved at the best and fairest.

36: Jarrod Silvester
The best way to describe Silvester is as a good VFL player. He was a defender for Coburg and Richmond rookie listed him. He’s fine at VFL level, but is completely out of his depth at AFL level. Should be off the rookie list and was a waste of the pick.

37: Travis Casserley
Travis is one of those disappointments that clubs occasionally draft. He had potential when he was drafted 3 seasons ago. It is true that he has been affected by injuries, people who watch a lot of VFL football claim that he has great skills and will be a good player. I’ve seen him play a few times and not once have these skills been in evidence. Three years on the list without one senior appearance is long enough, should be delisted.

38: Tristan Cartledge
Cartledge had spent a few years on Essendon’s list as a ruckman before being delisted. The Tigers rookied him as insurance in the ruck if there was another year like 2007. Fortunately that did not happen, however by the end of the season Cartledge had gone past Pattison as the 2nd ruck option. He’s tall, mature, takes a good strong overhead mark and can kick the ball a mile. Be worth elevating.

39: Daniel Connors
I have to confess that I’m a big fan. This kid could be anything, tough, great mark, exciting, quick, skilled with a footy brain. He played a few games buried in the back pocket in 2007 and had an interrupted pre season this year. This meant he had to gain form and fitness via Coburg. He came in to the side in the second half of the season. The first couple of games were nothing special, but the Hawthorn game where he kicked 3 goals in a half were far more indicative of what he can do.

40: Kelvin Moore
At the end of last season I thought Kelvin would never be more than an average player and was not worth persisting with. I was wrong. From day one, even in the pre season Kelvin has made every post a winner using his assets of speed and agility and learning how to read the play to become an integral part of what is becoming a strong, dynamic backline. Top 10 in the club best and fairest is an indication of how far he has come in 2008.

41: Nathan Foley
The former rookie became the side’s leading midfielder in 2007, the challenge was to back it up this season. I’m happy to report that Foley did that. Combined with Deledio, White and Cotchin the Tiger midfield will become a truly feared weapon in the future. Only beaten on 3 occasions and the second top scorer for Richmond in the Brownlow medal. Foley also won Victorian selection earlier in the year.

42: Andrew Collins
Andy had the same name as Coburg’s coach, the former Hawthorn player when he was drafted. He’s getting better, but still could be half a season away from debuting.

43: Cameron Howat
I’m not really sure why Cam was rookied again this year. He played the first game and was actually okay, but was suspended for an altercation with Carlton opponent and was unable to get back into the team. Cannot be rookied again and hasn’t been good enough to get promoted into the senior list.

44: Angus Graham
Angus was a viable ruck option, he’s very big, but he’s also very slow. I don’t think he’ll make it.

46: Jake King
It looked at the start of the season as if Jake was going to defy his physical limitations and succeed. However his lack of class and physical strength told and he was battling by the end of the season. Could be lucky to hold his spot.