To do a top 5 of this nature is very difficult as you have to weigh up players respective talents but also aspects such as players importance to structure for the list. When looking over my top 5 for Richmond please keep in mind I’m not rating them in order of talent but rather their importance to Richmond’s chances of winning games in 2010.
1. Jack Riewoldt
It seems funny to have a player who has played only 46 games in his career as a club’s most important player but Riewoldt is vital to the Tigers structure. Playing center half forward it is Riewoldt’s role to straighten his team up and provide a target for their midfield.
Then beyond that Riewoldt hasn’t been successful in 2010 unless he averages at least 2 goals a game (probably should be 3) which is a big ask for a player that has averaged 1.2 goals a game in his career thus far.
2. Troy Simmonds
Simmonds needs to deliver in 2010, Vickery isn’t ready to be the number one ruckman yet and is needed down forward to take pressure off the other Tiger forwards. Personally I don’t think Simmonds will deliver some of his better form, but if he does it will go some way to helping the Tigers win games both because he has the potential to influence games and because it allows the Tigers to structure up better.
3. Ben Cousins
Makes the list for his leadership value. Cousins leads by example and will continually bust his gut for the Tigers, hopefully this rubs off on some of his younger team mates. Beyond that if Cousins can deliver even two thirds of his best form next year on a consistent basis the Tigers will win more games, you can lock that away.
4. Brett Deledio
I have so much time for the talent Deledio possesses, I truly believe he is capable of altering the course of play with 10 minutes of his best footy. That doesn’t happen often enough. Hopefully with Damien Hardwick at the helm he’ll start to deliver more consistent football going forward.
5. Mitch Morton
I love this guy; he senses the possibility to go in for the kill and backs himself, which is exactly what a forward should do. If he can kick 2-3 goals a game it will take pressure off the other forwards and allow them to concentrate on playing their role. I expect a few 5 goal plus bags in 2010 from Morton.
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