Predicted best 22: Richmond’s best team ahead of Opening Round 2024
It was just a match simulation, but there was plenty to like in the new-look Adem Yze-led Tigers. MATTHEW FORREST names his predicted 22 for Opening Round.
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With a new coach, comes new game style and philosophies, and that is what Richmond fans saw on Sunday.
It was just a match simulation, but there was plenty to like from Adem Yze’s troops in their first hit out under the new coaching regime, kicking 10 unanswered goals against Melbourne during the first three stanzas of a seven-period slog.
The practice match did not answer every question that fans would have had, with Dustin Martin, Dion Prestia and Tim Taranto all missing from the centre square mix.
It did pave the way for youngster Thomson Dow to prove he is a long-term midfield option for the Tigers, having been stuck either in the VFL, on a forward flank or in a substitute vest for much of his four years so far.
Dow attended 24 of 34 available centre bounces in the first four quarters, which equalled Jacob Hopper for the most from any Tiger on the ground.
He looked impressive, collecting plenty of the footy, however his composure in traffic will need a step up in order to really break ground as a bona fide midfield option in 2024 and beyond.
The Community Series match next week will give fans a clearer indication on how Dow fits into Yze’s plans as a midfielder, but all reports out of Punt Road suggest he is one of the first-year coach’s favourites.
There will be plenty of question marks over the forward line structure ahead of the opening round clash against the Gold Coast.
Tom Lynch will miss the match against his old mob, and could miss weeks after that as his slow recovery from a foot injury reaches a conclusion.
New recruit Jacob Koschitzke was rolled out alongside defender-turned-forward Noah Balta, with the pair booting two and three majors respectively.
Samson Ryan and Sam Naismith auditioned for the back-up ruck role in Toby Nankervis’ absence, with Ryan’s forward craft ahead of the former Swan’s.
Ryan would have to prove he can play as a third tall forward, and with Lynch on the mend, is likely battling for Koschitzke’s role, unless Balta rolls back to defence.
Rhyan Mansell, who played 17 games in 2023, will miss at least the start of the season with a moderate-grade syndesmosis injury he picked up in the match simulation, paving the way for a potential debut for a teammate.
A smokey forward option popped up in the contest, with Steely Green popping up for two goals in the senior side.
The 179cm West Australian has not made his debut, having been picked up with pick 55 in the 2022 AFL draft, but did plenty to impress in his bid for a senior game.
Mykelti Lefau is another one that could make an impact up forward, having beaten out Mitch Schofield for Richmond’s last list spot.
The Kiwi forward signed on earlier this week after an impressive summer training with the Tigers, coupled with some decent form in the match simulation.
The 23 year old certainly has the build to contend for a senior debut early, with a hulking frame that lets him dominate his smaller opponents.
Yze has plenty of decisions on how to lift this club back to premiership contention.
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Originally published as Predicted best 22: Richmond’s best team ahead of Opening Round 2024
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