The 2015 PREmier Fighting Tiger - THE AWARDS

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2015
FINAL RANKINGS

Not Ranked

Chris Knights (15)

Total Games For Richmond 6
Total Votes 0 (n/a)
Rounds Played 1 (0)
Historic Position ’13:19 ’14NP
Average Votes/Rounds 0
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) n/a
Best Round (Votes) n/a
Normalised Score (Rank) n/a
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking =31
Most Votes From n/a

What a tragic tale is the one of Chris Knight’s three seasons at Tigerland. In that time he only managed 6 matches, with 5 of those coming in his first year at Richmond in 2013. 2015 held plenty of promise for Chris, as he seemingly had recovered from his chronic injury woes. However, it wasn’t to be, with a serious hamstring injury cutting short his comeback match. Although he did manage to regain fitness to play in the VFL towards the end of the season, the ongoing injury problems ultimately led to his decision to retire. Unbelievably, another ACL rupture on the eve of the finals precluded any chance of a (unlikely) farewell. It’s a shame that Knights wasn’t ever able to find the fitness to string together matches at Tigerland, as he clearly had the talent to contribute.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2015
FINAL RANKINGS

Not Ranked

Todd Elton (43)

Total Games For Richmond 2
Total Votes 0 (n/a)
Rounds Played 1 (0)
Historic Position ‘12NP ’13NP ’14NP
Average Votes/Rounds 0
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) n/a
Best Round (Votes) n/a
Normalised Score (Rank) n/a
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking Not Ranked
Most Votes From n/a

Another season, another absence of Elton at senior level. In his 4th season at Tigerland, Ben only managed the single appearance at senior level. In that one appearance he was dominated by Travis Cloke and spent the rest of the season playing in defence at VFL level. Although they say that talls take longer to develop, it is a bit of worry that Todd has only managed those two senior matches in four years. It will be interesting to see what his future holds at Tigerland. A lot will depend on the availability of defensive talls on our list in 2016.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2015
FINAL RANKINGS

Not Ranked

Matthew Arnot (44)

Total Games For Richmond 9
Total Votes 0 (4)
Rounds Played 1 (4)
Historic Position ‘12NP ’13:29 ’14:32
Average Votes/Rounds 0
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) n/a
Best Round (Votes) n/a
Normalised Score (Rank) n/a
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking Not Ranked
Most Votes From n/a

At the end of 2014, I stated that 2015 was an important year for ‘Biscuits’ Arnot to find his place at senior level. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to force his way into the seniors, with the exception of a single match. His athletic, wrecking ball style continued at VFL level and he was an important physical presence at that level. However, his lack of poise and consistency ultimately led to 2015 being his final year on the Richmond list.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2015
FINAL RANKINGS

Not Ranked

Reece Conca (30)

Total Games For Richmond 74
Total Votes 0 (175)
Rounds Played 2 (18)
Historic Position ’11:15 ‘12:13 ’13:7 ’14:12
Average Votes/Rounds 0
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) n/a
Best Round (Votes) n/a
Normalised Score (Rank) n/a
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking =31
Most Votes From n/a

The questions over Conca’s capabilities at senior level continue to remain unanswered as Reece had a 2015 season wrecked by recurring injuries. 2015 saw Conca appear in only two regular season matches and the elimination final against the Kangaroos. That game was typical Conca, with his first possession a great goal and one of the memorable errors of the day, a horrific turnover off his one of his dinky chip kicks. Hopefully 2016 will see Conca get a clear run at it in the seniors, as I still think his ability to move in traffic and find space are a real asset in the Tiger midfield.
 

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2015
FINAL RANKINGS

Not Ranked

David Astbury (12)

Total Games For Richmond 41
Total Votes 0 (268)
Rounds Played 4 (8)
Historic Position ’10:19 ’11NP ‘12NP ’13:30 ’14:8
Average Votes/Rounds 0
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) n/a
Best Round (Votes) n/a
Normalised Score (Rank) n/a
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking =28
Most Votes From n/a

Richmond’s settled backline in 2015 made it very difficult for Dave Astbury to find opportunities at senior level in his 6th year at Tigerland. Although he showed great promise in 2014 prior to his season-ending injury, he never showed that sort of form in 2015. His lack of pace and ability to read the play, assets in 2014, seemed to abandon him this season and he spent most of the year as a defender in the VFL. It was interesting to hear that Dave may have foregone a 3 year deal at Brisbane to stay at the Tigers. I hope that he is able to force his way back in and establish himself in the senior team.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2015
FINAL RANKINGS

Not Ranked

Connor Menadue (37)

Total Games For Richmond 5
Total Votes 0 (n/a)
Rounds Played 5 (n/a)
Historic Position n/a
Average Votes/Rounds 0
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) n/a
Best Round (Votes) n/a
Normalised Score (Rank) n/a
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking =28
Most Votes From n/a

Although drafted as a future prospect, Connor Menadue forced his way into the seniors and did enough at that level to show that there is a bit to be excited about. Very lightly framed, this didn’t perturb Connor from the physical aspects of the game and he showed very little hesitation in laying tackles and riding the bumps at senior level. He is a rangy player and when he develops may turn into another great outside runner at Tigerland. He is one that I made a point of watching at VFL level and I am excited to see how he develops in the coming seasons.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2015
FINAL RANKINGS

Not Ranked

Corey Ellis (32)

Total Games For Richmond 5
Total Votes 0 (n/a)
Rounds Played 5 (n/a)
Historic Position n/a
Average Votes/Rounds 0
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) n/a
Best Round (Votes) n/a
Normalised Score (Rank) n/a
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking =26
Most Votes From n/a

Another of the promising recruits of 2104, Richmond’s first selection in the National Draft, Corey Ellis gave us a glimpse of why the Tiger recruiters rated him so highly. Although a limited pre-season and some injury issues restricted Corey’s matches this season to only 5, it was enough to see that, at full fitness, he is ready to slot into the Tigers’ best 22. One of my individual highlights of the year was Corey’s pass to Deledio to set up a goal. It took amazing vision and skill to execute and it was done perfectly. I look forward to seeing a fully fit Corey Ellis in our midfield for seasons to come.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2015
FINAL RANKINGS

Not Ranked

Nathan Gordon (22)

Total Games For Richmond 21
Total Votes 0 (14)
Rounds Played 9 (11)
Historic Position ’14:29
Average Votes/Rounds 0
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) n/a
Best Round (Votes) n/a
Normalised Score (Rank) n/a
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking =26
Most Votes From n/a

Although Nathan Gordon managed to add another 9 games to his career at Tigerland, he holds the ignominious distinction of the player with the most matches that didn’t accrue a single vote during the season. Although Nathan clearly has a massive tank and his run is very useful for our structure, his continual misreading of the ball in flight and inability to convert his opportunities has meant that his opportunities are limited at senior level. These limitations ultimately led to him be delisted at the end of the season.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2015
FINAL RANKINGS

=27

Liam McBean (34)

Total Games For Richmond 2
Total Votes 1 (n/a)
Rounds Played 2 (0)
Historic Position ’13NP ’14NP
Average Votes/Rounds 0.5
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 22 (7)
Best Round (Votes) 7 vs Collingwood (1)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.021 (30)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking Not Ranked
Most Votes From evo (1)

Another incremental improvement from one of the great hopes on PRE and around Tigerland. By ‘incremental improvement’ of course I mean co-winning the Jim “Frosty’ Miller Medal for the most goals in the VFL this season. Even though he continued to regularly hit the scoreboard in the twos, he had only two opportunities in the seniors. Unfortunately, McBean wasn’t able to register his first goal for the Tigers and he had to be content to play out the majority of the season in the VFL. With his much anticipated debut out of the way, let’s hope he is able to continue to improve his contested marking and forward pressure and force his way into the seniors as a regular fixture in 2016.

Matthew McDonough (36)

Total Games For Richmond 10
Total Votes 1 (16)
Rounds Played 2 (7)
Historic Position’13NP ’14:27
Average Votes/Rounds 0.5
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 19 (4)
Best Round (Votes) 4 vs Melbourne (1)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.027 (28)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking Not Ranked
Most Votes From rensman (1)

I am not quite sure what Matty McDonough did, or didn’t, do. What I do know is that he was unable to get a concerted run in the seniors in 2015, the season that would prove to be his last on the Tigers’ list. He was an interesting prospect and had the ability to dominate at VFL level, but his consistency wasn’t great and he struggled to get selected and hold his spot on the two occasions that he did manage a to get a go.

Matt Thomas (19)

Total Games For Richmond 15
Total Votes 1 (241)
Rounds Played 2 (13)
Historic Position ’14:9
Average Votes/Rounds 0.5
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 27 (22-23)
Best Round (Votes) 22 vs Essendon (1)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.030 (27)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking =28
Most Votes From mainlandy (1)

After managing 13 matches in 2014, the elevated, mature-age rookie Matt Thomas struggled to find game time in the maturing Richmond midfield. Matt spent most of the season as an important member of the VFL side, with his hardness and AFL experience making him a clear standout in that side. It’s sad to see Matt announce his retirement at the end of the season, but his contributions for Richmond, both at AFL and VFL level were greatly appreciated.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2015
FINAL RANKINGS

26

Nathan Drummond (39)

Total Games For Richmond 1
Total Votes 5 (n/a)
Rounds Played 1 (n/a)
Historic Position n/a
Average Votes/Rounds 5.0
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 16 (4)
Best Round (Votes) 4 vs Melbourne (5)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.137 (26)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking =31
Most Votes From rensman (2)

A player that had been overlooked in earlier drafts, Nathan Drummond was able to make a few appearances for Richmond VFL side in 2014 and off the back of a standout Draft Combine, was taken by Richmond in the National Draft. He had an immediate impact in the VFL and was a surprise selection for the seniors in Round 4 against the Dees. After showing some early good signs (and becoming part of the blonde running trio with Brandon Ellis and Taylor Hunt), he tragically seriously injured his knee and saw his season over before it had really begun. Apparently Nathan is back running and can complete an uninterrupted pre-season and push for a spot in the seniors in 2016.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2015
FINAL RANKINGS

25

Steven Morris (38)

Total Games For Richmond 78
Total Votes 8 (17)
Rounds Played 14 (20)
Historic Position ‘12:6 ’13:15 ’14:26
Average Votes/Rounds 0.6
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 20 (11-14)
Best Round (Votes) 10 vs Fremantle (6)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.168 (26)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking 21
Most Votes From Batchelor Party (2)

2015 proved to be an interesting, if not disappointing, year for Stevie Morris. After playing his career as a kamikaze defender, the coaching panel trialled Morris as a defensive forward, an attempt to mould him into the new Jake King. Although his kamikaze style continued in the forward line and he did manage to apply some pressure to the oppositions’ defenders at times, his inability to find the ball himself, nor kick goals, meant that he became a liability in the side. Since his top 10 finish in this award in 2012, the graph for Morris has been going in the wrong direction and the improving Tiger side saw him struggle for selection in the second half of the season. Although he clearly brings good leadership skills to the team, he will need to do more and find his niche in the side if he is to have a future at Tigerland.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2015
FINAL RANKINGS

24

Ben Griffiths (24)

Total Games For Richmond 48
Total Votes 10 (135)
Rounds Played 12 (15)
Historic Position ’10NP ’11:25 ‘12:25 ’13NP ’14:15
Average Votes/Rounds 0.8
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 9 (1)
Best Round (Votes) 3 vs Brisbane (6)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.229 (24)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking 23
Most Votes From fuzztiger, KnightersRevenge, martyshire, pumped, Rancey18, saigon tiger, Sammy C, Sintiger, SkillzThatKillz, YinnarTiger (1)

Ah, the enigma that is Ben Griffiths. After showing such potential in 2014, this season can only be considered a disappointment. Injury and form both impacted his ability to impose himself on matches, but only 10 votes from 12 rounds is well below expectations from a player of Griffs potential. There were very few games where he was able to really impose himself and the return of Vickery to solid form meant that his position in the seniors is under threat. He also needs to work out his goal kicking, which became a serious liability this season. As I’ve said in previous reports, Ben’s skill set is tantalising, but he just hasn’t been able to string it all together as yet. Will 2016 be the year?

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2015
FINAL RANKINGS

23

Chris Newman (1)

Total Games For Richmond 268
Total Votes 13 (7)
Rounds Played 16 (17)
Historic Position ’07:7 ’08:6 ’09:19 ’10:3 ’11:12 ‘12:19 ’13:22 ’14:31
Average Votes/Rounds 0.8
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 14 (2)
Best Round (Votes) 17 vs Fremantle (9)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.363 (23)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking =19
Most Votes From mk33 (4)

After 14 seasons and 268 matches for Richmond, 2015 proved to be the final hurrah for Chris Newman. His output this season was probably fractionally better than 2014, but it was clear that the game was moving beyond him and his spot in the side might be better filled by one of our developing young players. I’ll always remember Chris Newman as an unassuming captain that led Richmond through a turbulent time, while we transitioned from Wallace to Dimma. He was remarkably solid during that time and his passion for club and the jumper were clear and provided a clear beacon during that dark time. His speech at this year’s Jack Dyer Medal encapsulated the player and the leader that he was. Never the greatest superstar on our list, he was a solid contributor and a great club man. He’ll be missed.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2015
FINAL RANKINGS

22

Sam Lloyd (42)

Total Games For Richmond 20
Total Votes 22 (141)
Rounds Played 12 (8)
Historic Position ’14:13
Average Votes/Rounds 1.8
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 9 (1)
Best Round (Votes) 2 vs Western Bulldogs (11)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.569 (22)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking 22
Most Votes From Baloo & hutstar (3)

Sammy ‘The Bush Legend’ Lloyd managed 12 appearances in the seniors in 2015 as the Tigers looked for a consistent small forward to impact on the scoreboard. Some of those appearances were in the green vest, where he still managed to impact matches to some extent. I am a fan of Lloyd as he appears to have that innate goal sense that can really be taught. I’d like to see him on the list in 2106 and I’d like to see him get an extended opportunity to secure that small forward role. He has shown that he doesn’t need a huge number of possessions to generate goal opportunities and in a side that needs to improve in this regard, I see an opening for him in the side.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2015
FINAL RANKINGS

21

Shaun Hampson (16)

Total Games For Richmond 15
Total Votes 39 (47)
Rounds Played 4 (11)
Historic Position ’14:23
Average Votes/Rounds 9.8
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 17 (15-16)
Best Round (Votes) 15 vs Carlton (39)
Normalised Score (Rank) 0.969 (21)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking 25
Most Votes From arlobill, K3, KiwiTig, poppa x, SkillzThatKillz, Tigers of Old & tote (2)

After a 2014 to forget, Hammer spent most of this season dominating the ruck in the VFL side. He did get an opportunity in 4 matches in the seniors in 2015, with his efforts against his former side, Carlton, and against St Kilda serviceable. Unfortunately, it was back to the Hampson of 2014 after that, with his single possession game in our loss to Adelaide in round 19 a real lowlight and the end of his season at the senior level. As our only true second ruck it would seem that his role is destined to be as backup to Maric until we can find another ruckman to fill that spot.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2015
FINAL RANKINGS

20

Jake Batchelor (11)

Total Games For Richmond 75
Total Votes 66 (15)
Rounds Played 22 (12)
Historic Position ’11:14 ‘12:18 ’13:28 ’14:28
Average Votes/Rounds 3.0
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 9 (2)
Best Round (Votes) 8 vs Port Adelaide (17)
Normalised Score (Rank) 1.733 (20)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 0 (n/a)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking 12
Most Votes From MorrisMinor (4)

I think Jake Batchelor’s 2015 is one of the untold good news stories of the season. Playing in every match of the season, Jake really found some solid, consistent form in the Tiger’s settled defence. After a couple of shaky seasons in 2013 and 2014, he became a solid foot soldier in the seniors. Hopefully he can carry this form into 2016 and become an even more attacking player to complement his defensive capabilities.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2015
FINAL RANKINGS

19

Ben Lennon (35)

Total Games For Richmond 16
Total Votes 67 (12)
Rounds Played 9 (7)
Historic Position ‘14=30
Average Votes/Rounds 7.4
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 19 (22-23)
Best Round (Votes) 22 vs Essendon (34)
Normalised Score (Rank) 2.163 (19)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 2 (=17)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking 24
Most Votes From Rancey18 (5)

It’s a shame that Lennon’s post-season contract negotiations have obscured his performances from the latter half of the season. Lennon showed some real class in his 9 matches, kicking important goals and generally using the ball well. While everyone else was struggling to hang onto the pill in the pouring rain of round 22 against Essendon, Lennon showed clean hands and was an important contributor to our win that night. I hope that we are able secure him soon as his class is apparent and he could be an important player in an area that our side lacks. I have faith that our football department will do the right thing.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2015
FINAL RANKINGS

18

Dylan Grimes (2)

Total Games For Richmond 63
Total Votes 110 (57)
Rounds Played 17 (18)
Historic Position ’10:34 ’11:21 ‘12:11 ’13:24 ’14:21
Average Votes/Rounds 6.5
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 15 (11-16)
Best Round (Votes) 10 vs Fremantle (58)
Normalised Score (Rank) 2.698 (18)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 1 (19)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking =9
Most Votes From evo, Fighting Fury, happytige, K3 & mainlandy (4)

Although still not completely free of the injury curse, Grimes managed 17 appearances plus the elimination final in 2015 to go with 18 matches in 2104. Again, he showed why he is so well respected within the club as his tenacious defending was missed during his absences. Although he appears awkward at times, he is one of our better one on one defenders and gets the job done more often than not. To add to his solid contributions on the field, he is clearly well respected at the club and his community work is also a tribute to his character. His 18th place in this year’s awards are clearly a reflection of our voting system, with his 9th place finish in the JDM showing the regard that the coaches hold him in. It’s hard to believe that he has only appeared in 63 matches, suggesting that there is still improvement to come.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2015
FINAL RANKINGS

17

Troy Chaplin (25)

Total Games For Richmond 67
Total Votes 148 (90)
Rounds Played 21 (22)
Historic Position ’13:12 ’14:19
Average Votes/Rounds 7.0
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 13 (17)
Best Round (Votes) 17 vs Fremantle (137)
Normalised Score (Rank) 4.379 (15)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 3 (=11)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking 16
Most Votes From pumped (5)
2015 was another Chaplin-like season, wherein he marshalled the defence without ever really starring himself. Although there are times when it would be nice to see Chaplin do better as a one on one defender, he is a key player in the settled Richmond defence. Turning 30 just prior to the 2016 season, he should still have plenty to offer, but we will need to continue to develop his successor.

 

[Panthera tigris FC]

PREmier Fighting Tiger Award 2015
FINAL RANKINGS

16

Kane Lambert (48)

Total Games For Richmond 13
Total Votes 150 (n/a)
Rounds Played 12 (n/a)
Historic Position n/a
Average Votes/Rounds 12.5
Highest Ranking (Round(s)) 16 (20 & 23)
Best Round (Votes) 20 vs Gold Coast (89)
Normalised Score (Rank) 4.367 (16)
Richmond ‘Brownlow’ Votes (Ranking) 3 (=11)
Official Jack Dyer Medal Ranking =19
Most Votes From evo (7)

After starring in the VFL in 2014, Kane Lambert got his opportunity at AFL after the Tigers selected him with a late rookie pick. His debut in round 2 was one to forget after failing to make an impact and being injured in Richmond’s loss to the Dogs. However, upon his return to fitness his selection in round 13 led to his appearance in every match for the remainder of the season. The traits that led him to dominate at VFL level were on show in a number of matches, with his hardness and ability to win the contested ball an important part of the Tigers midfield. With the development of our young midfielders in 2016, spots will become even more difficult, but at worst we have a very good depth player.