Are Cleve and Jay Really Our Future Forward Line?

Posted on February 25, 2008 | Category: Discussions

AAP (found on the Richmond website) believe that they’ve seen Richo’s replacements after watching our win over Melbourne in a practice match:

MATTHEW Richardson might be nearing the end but Richmond has some talented replacements ready to fill his boots, judging by the Tigers’ comfortable 35-point win over Melbourne in their NAB Challenge match in Cairns. (“Tiger talls too big and strong for Demons” - richmondfc.com.au)

The article goes on to suggest that the Tiges’ dominance on the night was a glimpse of things to come, with Hughes and Schulz as the sort of players we can build a forward-line around. And while there’s a big part of me that wants to get all optimistic and start believing the hype. But I just can’t do it.

Jay Schulz is an easy one to discount. There just doesn’t seem to be that much going for Jay. He’s tall, but that’s about where it ends. There’s very little physical presence to him, is well below average when it comes to foot speed, he has an overhead mark and shot for goal that leave you with heart in mouth whenever it’s kicked to him - basically he’s a backman. But more than these - he has the same problem as a huge number of Richmond recruits - he doesn’t have the mental facilities to become a really good player. His poor decision-making both on and off the field suggests that he’s unlikely to be much better than an also-ran type player.

Cleve on the other hand, has a lot of things to like about him. He makes good, strong leads, has a decent mark on him, and usually makes the right decision. But he’s proven to be inconsistent at best, and also seems to lack anything like the commanding presence you see in a Richo, Gehrig or Lloyd. He is also a little sluggish at times, and does seem to run on tracks. Make no mistake, I love him - I’ve shouted “Cleave” with almost as much gusto as I would “Richo”. But I’m still unconvinced.

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One Response to “Are Cleve and Jay Really Our Future Forward Line?”

1. Matt Says:
   February 29th, 2008 at 5:38 am

   Agreed, Jay IS only 22 though.
   You’re right about intellect - it doesn’t seem to grow with the other skills.

   This year for Cleave, or next?

   One who did catch my eye was Cartledge. Thought he was OK against StKilda. Probably won’t be a forward, but promising.

   Hey, while I’m on the Saints, how are they keeping all that talent under the salary cap? Their list is amazing.

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