a few coaches are talking up the Richmond Backline this year. Is there any credit to this and why? the likes of raines, mcmahon, King, moore. Are they going to able to have 85+ averages, becuase im just not that convinced about them? Thoughts anyone, why are people predicting good things about this backline. can bowden keep it up?
Richmond have a pretty solid backline- but i wouldnt rate anyone as DT prospects other than the usual suspects- newman, bowden, mcmahon. The tiges have a really unusual team... I think this is wallaces last year to make something of his current structure. Yes they have some good players... but they have some unbelievable hacks, so one dimensional and their depth is of real concern. Wallace has had the team for, what, 5 years, and i really believe (if you can believe this) that the tigers have never bottomed out, never got to a point where they have overhauled the entire list- poor poor list management.
IMO
Bowden - Too much unknown about his likely position, may be swung FWD often perhaps and comes at a hefty price. He will still pull huge scores on the odd occasion i reckon but perhaps not as consistantly.
Newman - A SC gun, not too many worries there. He is the captain also.
McMahon - = DT Meh...
Raines - Priced too well to ignore. As your #6/7 DEF he will be a reasonable cash cow to upgrade. Nobody would be picking him as a keeper. If hes getting a game he's a no brainer.
I think Bowden will always be good for around a 80 or so but his huge scores which he gets from time to time will be few and far between this season. Too many other decent defenders back there now.
Newman is quality. His use of the footy is fantastic and he very rarely wastes his possessions.
I've had McMahon the last 2 seasons and he's done reasonable well for me. He does seem to struggle to hit his targets consistently though so maybe a better DT option.
& Raines IMO is a must have. His price for someone who will start every week is to good to miss. Like Newman his use of the ball is great and would be a great pick up in either competition.