1 – Ed Richards
2 – The Bont
3 – Little Libba
4 – Aaron Naughton
5 – Bailey Dale
2025 Rising Star Noms
Nil
Ins – Connor Budarick, Lachy Carmichael, Will Darcy, Louis Emmett
Outs – Taylor Durea, Jason Johannisen, Liam Jones, Caleb Poulter, Anthony Scott, Jamarra
My Prediction
Like old school Richmond reincarnated, looked a chance all year before finishing ninth. There was no real excuse last year for what must be seen as another underachieving year. Their list isn’t complete and I know all about JUH but they had enough talent to make a September charge.
The only real area of concern for the Dogs listwise. James O’Donnell is ok but I think just ok and Lobb has looked reborn back there but you still feel like her is vulnerable to a form dip or the drinking of his own bathwater. They have brought in Budarick who will give them some solid delivery off half back along with Freijah and Dale. It isn’t a terrible backline but you feel it is vulnerable in a high pressure game.
I am not sure if any commentator mentioned it last year but they found a gem in Davidson, The Bont just needs to stay fit and Richards became a star last year. Add in Libba and Bailey Williams and the midfield looks very competitive. You could make an argument they maybe lack a little brilliance but it would be nitpicking.
The forward line is where it sits, Sam Darcy just kicked a bad in their scratch match and is still finding his feet. He is probably the hardest player in the AFL to stop once he is going. Him being on the field makes Naughton a much better player as well and he looks a lot more dangerous. They were the number one attack last year without Weightman who gives yet another dimension.
The ruck is boring but effective. English should be fine with the new ruck rules. He gets the job done every week and whilst never really exciting to watch, with his midfield he doesn’t need to be. Everyone has an opinion on Bevo, eccentric genius or massive tool holding back a very good list from achieving success. I think it is both maybe without the genius part, massive eccentric tool holding back a very good list.
They need to make finals this year. They don’t look to have the consistency to make top four although they have the list quality. I think they will threaten both to demolish the competition and threaten to miss the eight before settling in the 6-9 range.
I know a supporter if theirs that thinks its all between the ears with them. They crumble at the site of Geelong. Time will tell if they can be anything more than flat track bullies, but even without juh that is a talented forward line as good as any
They really need Jed Busslinger to fulfill his potential.
But I think anywhere from 3-10 for the dogs. They are talented enough to have a real hot streak at some point during the year which gets them into the top four, but also brittle enough that they struggle to maintain form and just sneak in to finals.
Bevo should be under more pressure than any other coach this year. It is 10 years since what now looks like a fluked flag and 5 years since they made it to the grand final.
I agree with many of the above comments. Of talent, there is plenty, especially through the midfield and forward line. The problem then must be elsewhere, in a lack of application. Anything les than top 6 will be a failure. Last year’s result will sting them, and so it should.