The 2014 PREmier Fighting Tiger Award - THE AWARDS

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2014
FINAL RANKINGS

Not Ranked

Chris Knights (15)

Total Games For Richmond 5
Total Votes n/a (100)
Rounds Played 0 (5)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:NOL ’10:NOL ’11:NOL ‘12:NOL ’13:19
Average Votes/Rounds n/a
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) n/a
Best Round (Votes) n/a
Normalised Score (Rank) n/a
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) n/a
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking n/a
Most Votes From n/a

2014 was another injury ravaged season for Chris Knights. Lingering issues with the serious knee injury sustained in 2013 prevented Knights from making any impact this season. It was particularly disappointing, as his long, raking kick and ability to hit the scoreboard was something that was missing in the Tiger’s lineup this season. It would be a real bonus if he could actually get a good run at without injury in 2015 and establish himself in the side.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2014
FINAL RANKINGS

Not Ranked

Bradley Helbig (32)

Total Games For Richmond 16
Total Votes 0 (0)
Rounds Played 0 (1)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:NOL ’10:NOL ’11:21 ‘12:30 ’13NP
Average Votes/Rounds n/a
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) n/a
Best Round (Votes) n/a
Normalised Score (Rank) n/a
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) n/a
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking n/a
Most Votes From n/a

After managing only a single appearance at senior level in 2013, Brad Helbig was unable to stake a claim in 2014. After 4 years at Richmond, with spots in the improving midfield becoming harder to break into, Brad was delisted at the end of the season. I always liked his uncompromising, aggressive style, but the writing has been on the wall for a while, with his inability to ever reach the heights of his 21st place finish in this award in his debut season, 2011.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2014
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Not Ranked

Todd Elton (43)

Total Games For Richmond 1
Total Votes 0 (0)
Rounds Played 0 (0)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:NOL ’10:NOL ’11:NOL ‘12NP ’13NP
Average Votes/Rounds n/a
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) n/a
Best Round (Votes) n/a
Normalised Score (Rank) n/a
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) n/a
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking n/a
Most Votes From n/a

Todd Elton is in an interesting position at Richmond. With a raft of developing talls on the list, Todd faces an uphill battle to find a position in the senior side. Spending a bit of time down back in the VFL side this season, all reports are that he showed a bit of promise in the role. However, with a fit Astbury returning in 2015, it is hard to see him pressing for senior selection. In his 4th season, he will be looking for senior opportunities and hopefully he continues to develop and put pressure on his fellow talls in 2015.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2014
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Not Ranked

Ben Darrou (48)

Total Games For Richmond 0
Total Votes 0 (0)
Rounds Played 0 (0)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:NOL ’10:NOL ’11:NOL ‘12NP ’13NP
Average Votes/Rounds n/a
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) n/a
Best Round (Votes) n/a
Normalised Score (Rank) n/a
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) n/a
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking n/a
Most Votes From n/a

As a third year rookie, Ben Darrou needed something special to be elevated onto the senior list. Despite some solid performances in defence at VFL level, it wasn’t to be and he joined the exodus in the recent delistings of 2014. As a solid defender, his issue has always been his height, which would be exploited at senior level. There’s not much more he could have done and he should be able to carve out a decent footy career at VFL level in the future.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2014
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Not Ranked

Todd Banfield (22)

Total Games For Richmond 0
Total Votes 0 (0)
Rounds Played 0 (0)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:NOL ’10:NOL ’11:NOL ‘12:NOL ’13:NOL
Average Votes/Rounds n/a
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) n/a
Best Round (Votes) n/a
Normalised Score (Rank) n/a
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) n/a
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking n/a
Most Votes From n/a

The addition of former-Lion Todd Banfield to the rookie list in 2014 turned out to be a failed experiment. His inability to really impact as a small forward at VFL level, meant that he never really pressed for promotion to the senior list. In a team that could really use a small forward, the opportunity presented, but Todd wasn’t able to play consistent enough footy to take it.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2014
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Not Ranked

Brett O’Hanlon (45)

Total Games For Richmond 9
Total Votes 0 (0)
Rounds Played 1 (0)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:NOL ’10:NOL ’11:NOL ‘12NP ’13NP
Average Votes/Rounds n/a
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) n/a
Best Round (Votes) n/a
Normalised Score (Rank) n/a
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) n/a
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking 36
Most Votes From n/a

In his third season, Brett O’Hanlon only managed a single appearance at senior level in 2014. Unfortunately, that would prove to be his final appearance in the Yellow & Black as he joined the delisted players at the end of the season. Brett showed plenty of promise, but was unable to impact at senior level and really impact the scoreboard.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2014
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Not Ranked

Aaron Edwards (27)

Total Games For Richmond 12
Total Votes 0 (114)
Rounds Played 3 (8)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:NOL ’10:NOL ’11:NOL ‘12:NOL ’13:16
Average Votes/Rounds n/a
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) n/a
Best Round (Votes) n/a
Normalised Score (Rank) n/a
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) n/a
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking 33
Most Votes From n/a

Aaron Edwards was drafted in 2013 as a mature forwsrd and had a number of memorable cameos for Richmond in his two years on the list. However, in 2014 Aaron was unable to establish himself in the senior side and only managed 3 appearances for the season and only a solitary goal. These would prove to be his final games in his Richmond career as he was delisted at the end of the season. Although there was a bit of debate about his character and recruitment, he proved to be a good club player and doubled as Dusty’s escort for his Brownlow appearances.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2014
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=33

Orren Stephenson (37)

b]Total Games For Richmond[/b] 7
Total Votes 1 (18)
Rounds Played 1 (6)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:NOL ’10:NOL ’11:NOL ‘12:NOL ’13:27
Average Votes/Rounds 1.0
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 19 (3)
Best Round (Votes) 3 vs Western Bulldogs (1)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.029 (33)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking 34
Most Votes From mk33 (1)

The Big O served a second year, mainly in the seconds, providing ruck insurance in the case of injury. As it turns out, even with Ivan injured at the beginning of the season, he only managed a single appearance in the disappointing round 3 loss to the Bulldogs. For better or worse, with Hampson’s recruitment at the end of 2013, Orren was unable to get a consistent go at the senior level and with the further development of Griff and Vickery as potential second rucks he wasn’t retained on the rookie list for a 3rd year. He was always a good story, making it onto an AFL list after years of toiling in the VFL and I wish him all the best.

Jake King (28)

Total Games For Richmond 107
Total Votes 1 (136)
Rounds Played 2 (17)
Historic Position ’07:6 ’08:5 ’09:16 ’10:13 ’11:18 ‘12:16 ’13:13
Average Votes/Rounds 0.5
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 15 (2)
Best Round (Votes) 2 vs Carlton (1)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.021 (34)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking 35
Most Votes From Coburgtiger (1)

It’s hard to believe that Kingy only played 107 matches for Richmond, but it’s also a testament to his tenacity that he did play that many games. From a maligned small defender to the reinvented ‘Push Up King’ defensive forward under Dimma he became one of the most recognised AFL personalities. Although the media love to portray him as the bad boy, he was a solid leader at the club. Although I have fond memories of Jake at the base of many melees, the most memorable against Collingwood, it is easy to forget what a pivotal player Jake was in recent years. A true leader in the forward line and a key element in locking the ball inside 50, he is proving difficult to replace. It is unfortunate that he was so cruelled by injury in his finals seasons and he will be missed.

[youtube=560,315]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-hiB5BRpfs[/youtube]

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2014
FINAL RANKINGS

32

Matthew Arnot (44)

Total Games For Richmond 8
Total Votes 4 (4)
Rounds Played 4 (4)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:NOL ’10:NOL ’11:NOL ‘12NP ’13:29
Average Votes/Rounds 1.0
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 4 (20)
Best Round (Votes) 4 vs Collingwood(4)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.096 (32)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking 32
Most Votes From JimJessTorp, spook, KnightersRevenge & Tigion (1)

On the balance of things, Biscuits had a disappointing year. He managed 4 games for the season, matching his 2013 output and accrued only 4 votes (the same as 2013). As an inside midfielder he is going to have to continue to develop his game and rack up big numbers in the VFL, something he didn’t do as well this year as he has in the past. He has shown some signs, but physicality and aggression can’t do it alone (see Helbig) and 2015 looms as an important year for Matty’s future at AFL level.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2014
FINAL RANKINGS

31

Chris Newman (1)

Total Games For Richmond 251
Total Votes 7 (64)
Rounds Played 17 (18)
Historic Position ’07:7 ’08:6 ’09:19 ’10:3 ’11:12 ‘12:19 ’13:22
Average Votes/Rounds 0.4
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 23 (5)
Best Round (Votes) 22 vs St Kilda (4)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.223 (31)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking =13
Most Votes From Batchelor Party & mk33 (2)

One of the hot topics on PRE throughout the season was the future of Chris Newman at Richmond. Looking at his results in this award (31) vs the JDM (=13) it is clear that the coaches at Tigerland feel his is doing his job more so than the PRE posters. Personally, I think it is obvious that Newman is slowing down and 2015 is likely to be his last. However, we are still a relatively young club and he is far and away the most senior player at Richmond and is clearly respected for his onfield leadership. I hope that he is able to contribute a bit more in 2015 and the club can give him the type of season that the former skipper deserves.

 

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PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2014
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30

Ben Lennon (35)

Total Games For Richmond 7
Total Votes 12 (n/a)
Rounds Played 7 (n/a)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:NOL ’10:NOL ’11:NOL ‘12:NOL ’13:NOL
Average Votes/Rounds 1.7
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 21 (9-10)
Best Round (Votes) 9 vs Melbourne (11)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.398 (30)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking 31
Most Votes From mk33 (2)

Richmond’s first round selection in the 2013 National Draft, Ben Lennon managed 7 senior appearances in his first season. It is a good sign for the club when our high draft picks can do most of their early development at VFL level and Ben will need to develop physically and build his tank to have a serious impact at AFL level. Having said that, some of his pinpoint passes into the forward 50 and his first mark/goal at AFL really highlighted the sheer class that Lennon possesses. He could really prove to be the icing on the cake in a good Richmond side.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2014
FINAL RANKINGS

29

Nathan Gordon (39)

Total Games For Richmond 12
Total Votes 14 (n/a)
Rounds Played 11 (n/a)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:NOL ’10:NOL ’11:NOL ‘12:NOL ’13:NOL
Average Votes/Rounds 1.3
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 15 (3)
Best Round (Votes) 3 vs Western Bulldogs & 5 vs Brisbane (5)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.416 (29)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking 23
Most Votes From happytige & tigerdave (2)

Another 2013 recruit, ‘Flash’ managed 12 games for the Tigers, adding to the 2 AFL games he played for the Swans. To be honest I had my doubts about his ability as a forward as he appeared to struggle to read the ball in flight and time his marks. However, he grew on me as his running ability came to the fore and he ran his opponents ragged. His continual leads up the wing and back to the forward 50 became an important aspect of our successful run in the second half of the season. By the end of the season, his hard work had cemented his spot in the side. His challenge in 2015 will be to maintain that position, with players like Knights hopefully returning from injury there will be added competition for the high forward role.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2014
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28

Jake Batchelor (11)

Total Games For Richmond 52
Total Votes 15 (11)
Rounds Played 12 (9)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:NOL ’10:NOL ’11:14 ‘12:18 ’13:28
Average Votes/Rounds 1.3
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 28 (22-23)
Best Round (Votes) 22 vs St Kilda (12)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.478 (28)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking 21
Most Votes From Blind Faith, mk33 & Tigermad2005 (3)

After regaining his spot in the senior line up in the round 12 loss to the Kangaroos, Jake managed to play all remaining games for the season. I think one of the key parts of the Tigers’ winning streak was the settled backline and Batchelor was a member of that group for the entire run. Having said that, he was probably also the quietest member of the backline, with much of his characteristic intercept marking and run absent for most games, with the exception of his best match against St Kilda, where he managed 22 touches. He obviously was doing enough to keep his opponent quiet, but hopefully we see him able to hurt the opposition in the other direction in 2015.

 

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PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2014
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27

Matt McDonough (36)

Total Games For Richmond 8
Total Votes 16 (0)
Rounds Played 7 (1)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:NOL ’10:NOL ’11:NOL ‘12:NOL ’13NP
Average Votes/Rounds 2.3
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 20 (9-11)
Best Round (Votes) 9 vs Melbourne (11)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.565 (26)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking 30
Most Votes From Chiang Mai Tiger (6)

In his second year on the list, Matty McDonough managed only 7 matches and unfortunately, only 1 of those ended in victory (the Round 10 annihilation of GWS). He struggled to really impact matches and it’s telling that his best result in this poll was his 12 touches in the humiliating loss to Melbourne. I think if he doesn’t end up being traded this week, 2015 will be an important year for ‘Madonna’ and he really needs to build up his tank to impact matches. He has shown that he has a sharp footy brain at VFL level, he just now needs to be able to translate that to AFL level.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2014
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26

Steven Morris (38)

Total Games For Richmond 64
Total Votes 17 (129)
Rounds Played 20 (21)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:NOL ’10:NOL ’11:NOL ‘12:6 ’13:15
Average Votes/Rounds 0.9
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 17 (4)
Best Round (Votes) 21 vs Adelaide (10)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.514 (27)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking 10
Most Votes From K3 (4)

A shoulder injury in the preseason had a major impact on Morris’ ability to play at the level required to really impact at AFL level. With his kamikaze style, any type of injury is bound to affect his ability to impact the game and there were a number of times that I was surprised he retained his position. Clearly the coaching panel disagreed, playing him for 20 matches and the elimination final and rewarding him with a 10th place finish in this year’s JDM. Hopefully his post-season surgery has a smooth recovery and he can go onto to reclaim his mantle as our best small defender in 2015.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2014
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25

Shaun Grigg (6)

Total Games For Richmond 81
Total Votes 19 (65)
Rounds Played 14 (22)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:NOL ’10:NOL ’11:10 ‘12:5 ’13:21
Average Votes/Rounds 1.4
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 7 (1)
Best Round (Votes) 6 vs Hawthorn (8)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.566 (25)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking 19
Most Votes From larabee (4)

Prior to the 2014 season, Grigg had only missed one game since arriving at Tigerland. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to maintain that consistency and only managed 15 games for the season (including the final). With the emergence of Ellis as the most damaging outside runner/wingman, Grigg’s role has changed and he now finds himself with a specific tagging role in the matches that he plays. This has affected his ability to poll votes as his impact is not always as obvious. However, he did some good work in the games he played and he will need to continue to work hard to maintain his position in the evolving Tiger midfield in 2015.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2014
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24

Tyrone Vickery (29)

Total Games For Richmond 87
Total Votes 40 (315)
Rounds Played 12 (20)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:29 ’10:27 ’11:9 ‘12NP ’13:10
Average Votes/Rounds 3.3
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 12 (2)
Best Round (Votes) 2 vs Carlton & 16 vs Brisbane (16)
Normalised Score (Rank) 1.164 (24)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking 24
Most Votes From tigergollywog (7)

We all know the event that captured all the headlines for Tyrone in 2014 – that punch. What I don’t understand though are the calls that he should be traded. I like to see Tiger ruckmen on the edge of aggression, it’s just that Tyrone is still learning where that line is. With the emergence of Griff in 2014, some have suggested the Vickery is excess to needs, but what Tyrone can do, that Griff hasn’t demonstrated yet, is kick goals. His 23 goals in 12 matches this season was his career best rate (he kicked 27 in 21 in 2013 and 36 in 22 in 2011). Goal kicking forwards that can play in the ruck are gold in modern footy and as long as he gets his head right and stops some of the theatrics, I see him as a key player for the Tigers in the future. He is only 24 and the pain of missing selection for a final will hopefully spur him on in 2015.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2014
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23

Shaun Hampson (16)

Total Games For Richmond 11
Total Votes 47 (n/a)
Rounds Played 11 (n/a)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:NOL ’10:NOL ’11:NOL ‘12:NOL ’13:NOL
Average Votes/Rounds 4.3
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 4 (1)
Best Round (Votes) 1 vs Gold Coast (29)
Normalised Score (Rank) 1.239 (23)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking 26
Most Votes From mk33 (5)

It’s easy to forget that Hampson didn’t start the season out too badly, but when your outstanding performances are 13 and 14 touches in the first 2 rounds, you can probably be forgiven. Hampson was controversially acquired from Carlton to provide some more ruck depth and with Ivan injured at the beginning of the season, he had his opportunity. Unfortunately, he didn’t grasp it and his inability to impact games (only 1 game in double figure possessions after those first 2 rounds (10 vs GWS) and his inability to take a mark (contested or not – 20 total in 11 matches) really suggests that at this point the trade is looking like a bust. When Ivan returned the side, Hampson was relegated to the VFL and, barring injury, it is hard to see his way back at the moment. With his contract, he’ll have the opportunity at some stage, so let’s hope we can make his 2014 a season to forget.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2014
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22

Nick Vlastuin (31)

Total Games For Richmond 38
Total Votes 51 (285)
Rounds Played 19 (17)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:NOL ’10:NOL ’11:NOL ‘12:NOL ’13:11
Average Votes/Rounds 2.7
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 5 (1)
Best Round (Votes) 2 vs Carlton (13)
Normalised Score (Rank) 1.686 (22)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking 16
Most Votes From KnightersRevenge (4)

I think it’s fair to say that after a sterling debut season in 2013, Vlastuin had a more difficult second year. One positive was that he managed to add another 19 games plus an elimination final, however he did struggle to impact as much, with his 22 touches vs Geelong the highlight of his season. Despite this, I hold few fears for the man with such an impressive noggin. He is tough, and looks willing to work hard, I just think at 20 years old, he needs a few preseasons to build up the tank. I look forward to watching his development in 2015.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2014
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21

Dylan Grimes (2)

Total Games For Richmond 45
Total Votes 57 (37)
Rounds Played 18 (9)
Historic Position ’07:NOL ’08:NOL ’09:NOL ’10:34 ’11:21 ‘12:11 ’13:24
Average Votes/Rounds 3.2
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 19 (3)
Best Round (Votes) 22 vs St Kilda (42)
Normalised Score (Rank) 1.855 (21)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 1 (=18)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking 11
Most Votes From KnightersRevenge & tigersnake (4)

I think the biggest positive to come out of 2014 for Dylan Grimes was his ability to play out 19 matches, exceeding his previous best on 9 in each of the two previous years. His impact, especially offensively, wasn’t as great as he has shown he is capable of in the early stages of his career, however some continuity and a full preseason can only help in that regard. It is easy to forget that he has only played 45 matches in 5 years for Richmond, so there is should still be plenty of scope for improvement.