Last year, one of our major weaknesses was a lack of on-field leadership. Benny Gale and Paul Broderick had clearly served this role in the past, but with their retirement at the end of 2001, coupled with Matthew Knights and Leon Cameron having a reduced role on the ground, our lack of strong, inspiring on-field leaders was really exposed. Campbell tries, but seems to go missing too often in vital games; Gaspar doesn't seem to care; Bowden's not forceful enough; Richo's too inconsistent; Andrew Kellaway's gutsy, but lacks the flair to be truly inspirational. In a strange way, last year I felt that Rodan (even though he was a first year player) was one of the few Richmond players on the ground who actually seemed to care whether we won or lost. He certainly always seemed to give a red-hot go.
In tonight's game, then, it seems imperative that someone put up their hand to offer some real on-field leadership. Perhaps Stafford -- or perhaps it'll be Johnson (a little sad that none of the more established players look like they're going to full this role) -- but someone's got to do it. We need a leader, and we need him now.
In tonight's game, then, it seems imperative that someone put up their hand to offer some real on-field leadership. Perhaps Stafford -- or perhaps it'll be Johnson (a little sad that none of the more established players look like they're going to full this role) -- but someone's got to do it. We need a leader, and we need him now.
