Richmond’s recruiting and their ongoing robust AFL tradition has Nathan Buckley bullish about what the resurgent Tigers will obtain this season.
The former Collingwood coach additionally expects his outdated membership to proceed on from their exceptional rise final season and has little doubt premiers Geelong will stay in flag competition.
Collingwood’s gorgeous season final 12 months, once they shot up from second final in 2021 to a slender preliminary-final loss, may have all golf equipment hopeful of what may be achieved this season.
When requested who the following Magpies is likely to be, Buckley had a extra slender vary of potential ladder enchancment.
After lacking the finals in 2021, the Tigers made an elimination remaining final season after which made it clear they assume their premiership window stays open, by recruiting GWS stars Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper.
“They’re still finalists in their own right, but I think Richmond, their capacity to rebuild their team on the fly with Hopper and Taranto coming in and despite (Jason) Castagna’s retirement – they still have a really good structure, a really good connection in the football club,” Buckley mentioned.
“I’d expect them to be right up there at the end of the year.”
Speaking at Tuesday’s launch of the Carlton Draft group soccer program, Buckley is also assured his Magpies will proceed on from final 12 months, though maybe with not as many tight wins.
“The Pies were amazing, to have that run and momentum of close games, it was hard not to get caught up in, for everyone,” Buckley mentioned.
“They can continue that trajectory – it’s going to be hard to win as many close games.
“To get again to a 15-win season, it is going to be robust for them. But I nonetheless see them as finalists.”
The Cats have suffered a pre-season blow, with Jack Henry suffering a broken bone in his foot.
But they also have recruited well, bringing in Henry’s brother Ollie (Collingwood), Jack Bowes (Gold Coast) and Taylor Bruhn (Giants).
“They appear to have the ability to exchange and create depth and competitors for spots very well,” Buckley mentioned.
“I’ve no fears for them with the ability to deal with lacking a number of.
“It seems like they’re as hungry as ever, I’d expect them to go really well.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
