Today's game in Yea will be an interesting test for the new look 2010 Tigers.
Geelong has helped Richmond out by leaving out Joel Corey (knee surgery), Gary Ablett, Mark Blake, Andrew Mackie, Cameron Mooney, Harry Taylor, Joel Selwood and Tom Hawkins.
But they have included Paul Chapman, Matthew Scarlett, Darren Milburn and Brad Ottens, along with ruckman Trent West who will all have their first full hit out for 2010.
Richmond defender Kelvin Moore, who is from Healesville, said he was looking forward to a trip back to the country.
"I'm from out that way so it will be good to go home. I might go back home tomorrow and then head out to Yea," he said.
"I'm looking forward to it. It's a good surface out there and they've put a lot of effort and time into it so all the guys are looking forward to going out there."
Ben Cousins will play his first match of the pre-season, along with Troy Simmonds, Will Thursfield, Daniel Jackson and Luke McGuane.
Draftee Troy Taylor, currently facing court over an alleged assault, has also been included for what would be his first match with the club.
The Might Tigers blogger will also be headed up to Yea to take in the game.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Free agency for the AFL and the Tigers
The AFL has a model of free agency that will be introduced into the AFL competition after the 2012 season.
Here is Richmond CEO Brendon Gale’s response to the AFL’s announcement of a free agency agreement.
"Yesterday, the AFL Commission confirmed that after two and a half years of negotiations between the AFL and AFL Players’ Association (AFLPA), a model of free agency would be introduced into the AFL competition after the 2012 season.
This is a positive and fair outcome for the industry. The agreement strikes a balance between recognising the right of players to have more control over the direction of their football careers, while also recognising the AFL’s legitimate interest in maintaining high levels of competitive balance. Both the AFL and AFLPA should be commended on this win/win deal.
Many would be aware that in my previous role as CEO of the AFL Players’ Association, I was a strong advocate for free agency. When I departed the AFLPA to take over as Richmond’s CEO in September 2009, there already was a meeting of minds between the AFL and AFLPA on the broader principles underpinning free agency. Therefore, it was my understanding that it would only be a matter of months before the arrangements were finally negotiated and settled.
When my move back to Tigerland took place, my thoughts immediately turned to ensuring the Club was well placed to not only deal with the advent of free agency, but to flourish under the system.
Rest assured that in the six months since, we have been busy positioning ourselves to take full advantage of the opportunities that will be provided by free agency. We are confident that we are well on the way to providing a motivating, high-performance, working environment that will ensure we not only retain our key players, but attract players from other league clubs, who will add value to our list.
A high-performance environment is about the character, capacity and conviction of our people. It’s about our culture - and it’s about our facilities, which, when completed, will be the best in the AFL, all things considered.
We have also taken steps to ensure that we maximise, in particular, the opportunities that will be afforded through a more deregulated player labour market, from 2012 onwards. In December 2009, we appointed highly-respected former Port Adelaide National Recruiting Officer, Blair Hartley, as our List and Opposition Analyst. One of Blair’s key areas of responsibility will be detailed analysis of opposition clubs’ lists and identification of free agent prospects.
In summation, this has been a collaborative and fair process involving the AFL, AFLPA and clubs. Importantly, this is a just outcome.
Far from fearing free agency, we, as a club, look forward to capitalising on our opportunities within the new framework.
Here is Richmond CEO Brendon Gale’s response to the AFL’s announcement of a free agency agreement.
"Yesterday, the AFL Commission confirmed that after two and a half years of negotiations between the AFL and AFL Players’ Association (AFLPA), a model of free agency would be introduced into the AFL competition after the 2012 season.
This is a positive and fair outcome for the industry. The agreement strikes a balance between recognising the right of players to have more control over the direction of their football careers, while also recognising the AFL’s legitimate interest in maintaining high levels of competitive balance. Both the AFL and AFLPA should be commended on this win/win deal.
Many would be aware that in my previous role as CEO of the AFL Players’ Association, I was a strong advocate for free agency. When I departed the AFLPA to take over as Richmond’s CEO in September 2009, there already was a meeting of minds between the AFL and AFLPA on the broader principles underpinning free agency. Therefore, it was my understanding that it would only be a matter of months before the arrangements were finally negotiated and settled.
When my move back to Tigerland took place, my thoughts immediately turned to ensuring the Club was well placed to not only deal with the advent of free agency, but to flourish under the system.
Rest assured that in the six months since, we have been busy positioning ourselves to take full advantage of the opportunities that will be provided by free agency. We are confident that we are well on the way to providing a motivating, high-performance, working environment that will ensure we not only retain our key players, but attract players from other league clubs, who will add value to our list.
A high-performance environment is about the character, capacity and conviction of our people. It’s about our culture - and it’s about our facilities, which, when completed, will be the best in the AFL, all things considered.
We have also taken steps to ensure that we maximise, in particular, the opportunities that will be afforded through a more deregulated player labour market, from 2012 onwards. In December 2009, we appointed highly-respected former Port Adelaide National Recruiting Officer, Blair Hartley, as our List and Opposition Analyst. One of Blair’s key areas of responsibility will be detailed analysis of opposition clubs’ lists and identification of free agent prospects.
In summation, this has been a collaborative and fair process involving the AFL, AFLPA and clubs. Importantly, this is a just outcome.
Far from fearing free agency, we, as a club, look forward to capitalising on our opportunities within the new framework.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
125 years young, happy birthday to you!
Richmond Football Club celebrates its 125th birthday today. It was at a public meeting on the evening of February 20, 1885, at the Royal Hotel, directly opposite Punt Road Oval, that the Club was formed.
Richmond entered the premier football competition in the State, the Victorian Football Association, that year, but had to wait until the turn of the new century to become a force. In 1908, Richmond was invited to join the stronger Victorian Football League (VFL), which started as a breakaway group from the VFA in 1897.
The Tigers won their first league premiership in 1920 and made it two in-a-row in 1921. That famous “Eat ‘em Alive” spirit was born.
It’s now been 30 years since the last of the Tigers’ 10 league football premierships, Richmond is still a club with a mighty proud, successful history.
And I would like to wish the Tigers a very happy birthday!
Richmond entered the premier football competition in the State, the Victorian Football Association, that year, but had to wait until the turn of the new century to become a force. In 1908, Richmond was invited to join the stronger Victorian Football League (VFL), which started as a breakaway group from the VFA in 1897.
The Tigers won their first league premiership in 1920 and made it two in-a-row in 1921. That famous “Eat ‘em Alive” spirit was born.
It’s now been 30 years since the last of the Tigers’ 10 league football premierships, Richmond is still a club with a mighty proud, successful history.
And I would like to wish the Tigers a very happy birthday!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Alcohol ban for Troy Taylor
2009 draftee Troy Taylor has been banned from drinking alcohol while aggravated assault charges are pending.
Taylor appeared via video link from Melbourne in the Alice Springs Magistrates Court this morning. He has been charged with three counts of aggravated assault as well as unlawfully damaging property and engaging in violent conduct.
He has been bailed on condition he provide a cash surety and does not drink alcohol.
The matter has been adjourned for six weeks to the 30 March 2010 where Troy Taylor will need to appear in person.
Richmond has stated "As this is an on-going case the Richmond Football Club will not make any further comment until legal proceedings have been resolved."
Taylor appeared via video link from Melbourne in the Alice Springs Magistrates Court this morning. He has been charged with three counts of aggravated assault as well as unlawfully damaging property and engaging in violent conduct.
He has been bailed on condition he provide a cash surety and does not drink alcohol.
The matter has been adjourned for six weeks to the 30 March 2010 where Troy Taylor will need to appear in person.
Richmond has stated "As this is an on-going case the Richmond Football Club will not make any further comment until legal proceedings have been resolved."
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Ben Cousins avoids conviction for 2009 traffic offence and splits from Ricky Nixon
Ben Cousins has avoided a conviction in court after police and a magistrate agreed to deal with a traffic offence via the court diversion program.
According police Ben Cousins performed an unsafe U-turn from The Esplanade in Brighton in April last year, then it is understood his car hit another vehicle.
The court was told Cousins had written a letter of apology to the victim and he is also to pay an indisclosed amount to an unnamed charity.
The magistrate said Cousins was no different to any other motorist who could injure if not concentrating while driving. He said Cousins had shown no malice during the incident.
In other Ben Cousins news we understand that his manager Ricky Nixon has ended his dealings with Ben Cousins.
The pair have become increasingly frustrated over their business relationship recently and it is understood Nixon ended their relationship two weeks ago. Issues regarding the highly-publicised, but yet to be seen, Cousins' documentary and a separate book deal were part of the fall-out.
According police Ben Cousins performed an unsafe U-turn from The Esplanade in Brighton in April last year, then it is understood his car hit another vehicle.
The court was told Cousins had written a letter of apology to the victim and he is also to pay an indisclosed amount to an unnamed charity.
The magistrate said Cousins was no different to any other motorist who could injure if not concentrating while driving. He said Cousins had shown no malice during the incident.
In other Ben Cousins news we understand that his manager Ricky Nixon has ended his dealings with Ben Cousins.
The pair have become increasingly frustrated over their business relationship recently and it is understood Nixon ended their relationship two weeks ago. Issues regarding the highly-publicised, but yet to be seen, Cousins' documentary and a separate book deal were part of the fall-out.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Monday Morning Replay
Friday night’s game against the Hawks is certainly one to forget but let’s look at some of the positives to come out of the game.
Dustin Martin was taken with the third pick overall in the 2009 draft and slotted seamlessly into senior football with 26 disposals most of which were effective. He looks like a ready built AFL footballer both in his body build and in his skills with the football in his hands, I think you will see Martin in every games baring injuries in 2010.
Ben Nason cleared of serious injury today when scans showed he escaped with bone bruising to the right knee after he was carried off on a stretcher early in the match.
The Tigers still have Troy Simmonds, Daniel Jackson, Nathan Foley and veteran Ben Cousins to add to the line-up, it is clearly going to take a lot longer to adjust to Hardwick's new game plan and deal with the additional injuries we could have done without.
Richmond now head to the central Victorian town of Yea to play the loser of the Geelong vs North Melbourne match at Yea Recreation Reserve on Saturday the 27th of February at 4:00pm in the NAB Challenge series.
Dustin Martin was taken with the third pick overall in the 2009 draft and slotted seamlessly into senior football with 26 disposals most of which were effective. He looks like a ready built AFL footballer both in his body build and in his skills with the football in his hands, I think you will see Martin in every games baring injuries in 2010.
Ben Nason cleared of serious injury today when scans showed he escaped with bone bruising to the right knee after he was carried off on a stretcher early in the match.
The Tigers still have Troy Simmonds, Daniel Jackson, Nathan Foley and veteran Ben Cousins to add to the line-up, it is clearly going to take a lot longer to adjust to Hardwick's new game plan and deal with the additional injuries we could have done without.
Richmond now head to the central Victorian town of Yea to play the loser of the Geelong vs North Melbourne match at Yea Recreation Reserve on Saturday the 27th of February at 4:00pm in the NAB Challenge series.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
2010 starts just like 2009
Well Well Well...
For those Richmond fans who sat down on Saturday night to watch the Tigers in their first hit out of the 2010 season "we salute you".
It seems the more that changes at Tigerland the more that stays the same, The Tigers trailed by over 100 points before the Hawks took the foot of the pedal and allowed Richmond to kick a few goals in the last quarter.
We figured former Hawthorn assistant and now Richmond head coach Hardwick faced a huge task, both to instill a tougher defensive mindset in his young squad and to eradicate the regular costly skill errors but I am not sure if any of us thought the task would be this huge.
The Tigers are now $3.50 favourites to take out the Wooden Spoon on our own sports book sponsors web site Luxbet.
Here are some other Richmond fun facts:
• To Win the Premiership : $126
• To Win the Minor Premiership : $251
• To Make the Top Eight : $6
• To Make the Grand Final : $46
Last night just to add the cherry on top draftee Ben Nason's right knee buckled underneath him late in the first half, while Adam Thomson was knocked out in a marking contest early in the second.
See you all next week.
For those Richmond fans who sat down on Saturday night to watch the Tigers in their first hit out of the 2010 season "we salute you".
It seems the more that changes at Tigerland the more that stays the same, The Tigers trailed by over 100 points before the Hawks took the foot of the pedal and allowed Richmond to kick a few goals in the last quarter.
We figured former Hawthorn assistant and now Richmond head coach Hardwick faced a huge task, both to instill a tougher defensive mindset in his young squad and to eradicate the regular costly skill errors but I am not sure if any of us thought the task would be this huge.
The Tigers are now $3.50 favourites to take out the Wooden Spoon on our own sports book sponsors web site Luxbet.
Here are some other Richmond fun facts:
• To Win the Premiership : $126
• To Win the Minor Premiership : $251
• To Make the Top Eight : $6
• To Make the Grand Final : $46
Last night just to add the cherry on top draftee Ben Nason's right knee buckled underneath him late in the first half, while Adam Thomson was knocked out in a marking contest early in the second.
See you all next week.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Hardwick: Q&A
The official Richmond web site has a Damien Hardwick Q&A on the web site, makes for a good read go and check it out.
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Rookie Troy Taylor charged with assault
Richmond's 4th round and 51st pick overall Troy Taylor has been charged with assault.
Richmond's Press Release is below.
"The Richmond Football Club can confirm that Troy Taylor has been charged with assault over an incident in Alice Springs on New Years Eve. He has been summonsed to appear in the Alice Springs Magistrates Court on February 18.
“We knew Troy had a number of issues he was dealing with when we drafted him,” Richmond CEO Brendon Gale said.
“The Richmond Football Club has a professional network of support helping Troy address his issues but we have also advised Troy that he needs to take personal responsibility for the decisions he makes,” Gale said.
Due to legal reasons there will be no further comment from the club until after Troy has been to court on February 18."
I have a real problem with this statement, Brendon Gale claims that the Tigers were aware of issues (robbing a service station for one) that Taylor was dealing with and this was long before the incident on New Years Eve, why did we take a chance on a guy who puts Richmond into the paper for all the wrong reasons.
Sure offering all the support and training to Taylor is the right thing to do but I would have to think we would be better served putting that time effort and money into other things. You have to ask yourself when will this guy learn his lesson?
The Herald Sun claim Taylor was among a group of teenagers that gate crashed the street party just after midnight. Barry Parkinson said the young men were letting off firecrackers. He claimed when he approached Taylor and asked him to leave the party, Taylor slapped him in the face.
Richmond is going into a new era with new coaching, new players and new leadership off field do we really need this?
Richmond's Press Release is below.
"The Richmond Football Club can confirm that Troy Taylor has been charged with assault over an incident in Alice Springs on New Years Eve. He has been summonsed to appear in the Alice Springs Magistrates Court on February 18.
“We knew Troy had a number of issues he was dealing with when we drafted him,” Richmond CEO Brendon Gale said.
“The Richmond Football Club has a professional network of support helping Troy address his issues but we have also advised Troy that he needs to take personal responsibility for the decisions he makes,” Gale said.
Due to legal reasons there will be no further comment from the club until after Troy has been to court on February 18."
I have a real problem with this statement, Brendon Gale claims that the Tigers were aware of issues (robbing a service station for one) that Taylor was dealing with and this was long before the incident on New Years Eve, why did we take a chance on a guy who puts Richmond into the paper for all the wrong reasons.
Sure offering all the support and training to Taylor is the right thing to do but I would have to think we would be better served putting that time effort and money into other things. You have to ask yourself when will this guy learn his lesson?
The Herald Sun claim Taylor was among a group of teenagers that gate crashed the street party just after midnight. Barry Parkinson said the young men were letting off firecrackers. He claimed when he approached Taylor and asked him to leave the party, Taylor slapped him in the face.
Richmond is going into a new era with new coaching, new players and new leadership off field do we really need this?
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