Do Richmond’s new additions still have them firmly placed inside the premiership window?
Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney thinks so after taking a close look at their 2023 playing squad.
While some of the stars that drove the 2017, ’19 and ’20 premiership wins are in their twilight years, the emergence of Shai Bolton plus the trade acquisitions of Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto help balance the Tigers’ list.
After crashing out of the finals without a win in 2022, Cooney wouldn’t be surprised to see Richmond reclaim their place inside the top four and mount a charge for their fourth premiership in seven years.
Cooney’s SEN The Run Home co-host Josh Jenkins agreed stating that there’s more “left in the tank” at Punt Road as some veterans return to full fitness.
Cooney: “The Tigers look great on paper and I tend to agree (they’ll be strong in 2023).
“They’ve still got a very strong list and a few younger players taking that next step.”
Jenkins: “From the back end of last year, you’re going to add Dustin Martin, Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto into that squad.
“(Dylan) Grimes didn’t finish the year healthy either, look out, there’s a bit left in the tank there.”
Cooney: “It could be top four for the Tigers if they hold it together.
“I think that if you have a look at their additions and their inclusions plus adding a fit Dusty into that (they’ll be better).
“I was at Punt Road watching them train for a couple of hours, he (Martin) looks as strong and as fit as ever."
Richmond will hope to get their 2023 campaign off to a fast start when they face Carlton in their traditional season opener on March 16.