Reckon the cliff fall for the tigers will be SEVERE in the next few years.
Currently - we would be in the bottom 3 teams - on form.
When you have so many players hitting 29+ next year - many who are currently week to week propositions/in severe decline/hunger lacking after 3 flags - It's going to be pretty ugly in the next few years.
When they retire - There's no way you can replace that experience/talent in 1 or 2 drafts.
We've squeezed the greatest amount of juice possible from this core group of players.
As well -there's no guarantee that our current crop of youngsters will make the grade. Promising yes - But we tend over value our own.
These are the ages of our experienced players - who have tasted great success - mid next year.
Houli 34
Riewoldt 33.5
Edwards 33.5
Cotchin 32
Martin 31
Grimes 31
Astbury 31
Lambert 30.5
Pickett 30.5
Caddy 29.75
Lynch 29.5
Prestia 29.5
Broad 29
Mcintosh 28
Vlastuin 28
Nankervis 27.5
These champs deserve legend status for what they've achieved - winning 3 flags. Not to mention the absolute pleasure they've given us adoring fans over the last 10 years.
Playing on - just for the cash - just ruins that memory.
Some REALLY hard brutal decisions have to be made this season and next.
Does Hartley and Hardwick have the necessary courage/objectivity to do so?
More importantly - Has the need for a rebuild hit Damien yet?
A complete rebuild is necessary. In all positions. On and off field.(coaching)
Getting access to the draft cream/elite talent is something we've been deprived of - for years
In 3/4 years time - after lowly ladder positions/media scrutiny - I can't see Hardwick staying around. (It will be 14 years at Richmond in 2024)
It will be a real test of character for the Club - Going Forward.
Just have to be patient and realise it's part of a greater cycle. Happens to every dynasty.
Currently - we would be in the bottom 3 teams - on form.
When you have so many players hitting 29+ next year - many who are currently week to week propositions/in severe decline/hunger lacking after 3 flags - It's going to be pretty ugly in the next few years.
When they retire - There's no way you can replace that experience/talent in 1 or 2 drafts.
We've squeezed the greatest amount of juice possible from this core group of players.
As well -there's no guarantee that our current crop of youngsters will make the grade. Promising yes - But we tend over value our own.
These are the ages of our experienced players - who have tasted great success - mid next year.
Houli 34
Riewoldt 33.5
Edwards 33.5
Cotchin 32
Martin 31
Grimes 31
Astbury 31
Lambert 30.5
Pickett 30.5
Caddy 29.75
Lynch 29.5
Prestia 29.5
Broad 29
Mcintosh 28
Vlastuin 28
Nankervis 27.5
These champs deserve legend status for what they've achieved - winning 3 flags. Not to mention the absolute pleasure they've given us adoring fans over the last 10 years.
Playing on - just for the cash - just ruins that memory.
Some REALLY hard brutal decisions have to be made this season and next.
Does Hartley and Hardwick have the necessary courage/objectivity to do so?
More importantly - Has the need for a rebuild hit Damien yet?
A complete rebuild is necessary. In all positions. On and off field.(coaching)
Getting access to the draft cream/elite talent is something we've been deprived of - for years
In 3/4 years time - after lowly ladder positions/media scrutiny - I can't see Hardwick staying around. (It will be 14 years at Richmond in 2024)
It will be a real test of character for the Club - Going Forward.
Just have to be patient and realise it's part of a greater cycle. Happens to every dynasty.