Posted on March 26, 2009 | Category: Players
The 22 players to take the field this evening have been announced, and there’s a few players who would have to look at this line-up and wonder how they could possibly get back in. First, the 22 as listed:
B: Newman, Moore, Raines
HB: Bowden, McGuane, McMahon
C: Edwards, Tuck, White
HF: Brown, Richardson, Riewoldt
F: Cousins, Schulz, Tambling
I/C: Thursfield, Browne, Morton, Jackson
Emerg: Collins, Polo, Rance
According to richmondfc.com.au, the only unavailable players were Trent Cotchin, Kane Johnson and Daniel Connors (with Pettifer on the long-term injury list). Of those three, Cotchin and Johnson would be certain starters. Connors probably doesn’t have a place yet.
So, there are a few players who would have to be worried about this line-up. Adam Pattison, appears to have one option: re-invent himself as a key forward or watch himself being relegated to becoming a solid VFL player. With the emergence of Browne, and big wraps on Tyrone Vickery, it appears inevitable that he cannot remain the Tigers’ best backup ruck option.
For Jake King, the prognosis looks even worse. While I’d put him in for McMahon, the faith shown in Jordan McMahon tends to suggest that it will be a struggle for the little terrier to find a place in the 22 for a while yet. Unless Jake learns how to contest successfully in a marking contest, he’s likely to remain in the Coburg colours.
The third concern won’t be as big, but I think Will Thursfield would be feeling a little offended at being named on the bench. Since Gaspar retired he’s nominally been our best tall defender, and to fall from there to third in line behind McGuane and Moore must be a bit of a kick in the teeth, one would imagine. Look for Will to get some more fire in the belly and get back onto the field at the starting bounce next week.
Congratulations though to Andrew Browne – it’s always an exciting thing to see rookies elevated into the senior list, and to do so at the first available opportunity is a massive effort. Looking forward to seeing him run around, and let’s hope it’s not all hype.
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