Posted on February 16, 2009 | Category: Discussions
Welcome to 2009 on Wounded Tiger. Not sure that we’ll even try at the whole “match report” thing every week, but they will probably pop up from time to time. Instead, I’ll mostly concentrate on writing opinionated drivel about the mighty Tigers.
So, having just defeated the purple pretenders in the who-really-cares cup, what do we know? (Keep in mind I only saw a highlights package)
- Richo would play every game at Subiaco if he could. Matter of fact, the whole team probably would given the choice. The bigger ground fits with the Wallace game-plan beautifully, which means we must be a shot to win just about every game we play at the G. The run home (7 MCG games then West Coast at Subi) starts looking really good.
- The forward line will be a collaborative effort all year. Riewoldt, Hughes, Morton, Brown. None of them are likely to kick more than 4 in a game for the year, but as long as 2 or 3 of the 4 can fire in every game, we are a decent chance to kick a winning score.
- We’ll likely show the same hot and cold form that all Tigers supporters are used to. Our best is still very, very good, and our worst will still make you vomit. Don’t expect too many changes.
- NAB Cup form still doesn’t mean anything. And don’t you forget it.
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February 16th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Kudos to Richmond for showing spirit in coming back….
Freo has a very young side, 7 new recruits….and a pretty non existent forward line….but Richmond came back….
I have to say though….Richo cant be expected to play like that every week….one moment he was saving a goal down one end….in the next minute he was kicking one after sprinting down the wing….surely at his age….you just would not want to rely on him.
February 16th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Yes, we can’t rely on Richo to win every game off his own boot, but I don’t think we ought to get concerned just because he does every now and then. Richmond’s late season charge last year was while Richo was having a relatively quiet period (he was never going to get those 3 votes in Round 22). Most importantly, I actually think that the way Wallace is playing Richo means that his performance effectively comes as a bonus. If Richo doesn’t play, the absence of that position doesn’t actually change much about our structure – whereas when he was the focal point of our forward line we were stuffed without the big, dumb ugly one.
Having said all of that – it’ll be a tough year if he does a knee or anything.
February 16th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Playing Richo on the wing is a bonus for the Tigers, it allows Riewoldt, Hughes and Morton the opportunity to gel and play good footy together. Remember that the Cats forward line of 2007 did not have a real focus point like the Hawks of 08.
Just think you won without Cotchin, Cousins, Johnson etc. I think you long suffering fans may finally see finals
February 16th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Sorry, but a win over Heave-ho hardly counts as an accurate indicator for the season. I’m not calling finals until I see Terry Wallace’s signature on a two year contract extension.
February 16th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
A win is a win but I understand what you say as that ninth spot on the ladder keeps following you like a bad rash..
February 16th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Hey, the blog’s not called Wounded Tiger for nothing.
February 16th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
I reckon last year was the test for wallace….I reckon after 4 years he failed….I dont think they should offer him an extension until this year is done and dusted. They have to make the finals…and give them a shake for him to get that extension…. imho
February 16th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Have to agree with Mark E however making the finals after 8 odd years and giving the coach the flick would be kinder harsh.
However in looking at the squad, you have a few ‘rejects’ (Johnson, Cousins, Polak, Morton, Brown, Simmonds etc) which should ensure short term results which did not happen.
February 16th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Anything higher than 7th would be showing enough promise for them not to want to give him the flick. The thing is that the way we play (at least when we’re playing well) is such an attractive gameplan that I think they will hesitate to get rid of Wallace too easily. 7th or 8th might still get him another year.
February 16th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
Although it was the first hitout against another mob for the year, I thought the Tigers’ disposal, even when not under pressure, in the first half was pretty abysmal, Having picked a side that looked, on paper, like they wanted to win, the Tiges couldn’t find a team-mate’s chest for love nor money. Saints were about the same the previous night. You’d think that if they can’t find targets now, the year ahead is going to be a rollercoaster.