Richmond 2023 AFL Preview & Predictions

<p>The Richmond Tigers have been one of the AFL’s heavyweight clubs for over the last decade.</p> <p>They have built a formidable team and culture over that time and have three premierships to show for it.</p> <p>Last season’s modest seventh placed finish was a little underwhelming by their lofty standards, but they certainly went out swinging in the finals.</p> <p>Richmond went down to the Lions 106-104 in an elimination final for the ages. There was a heavy dose of controversy though, as they had a late goal overturned on review before Brisbane went down the other end to kick the winner.</p> <p>How will the Tigers react to this heartbreaking defeat in season 2023? Will it galvanise them to go further and push harder? Or will it break their once unbreakable spirit?</p> <p>For all the best Richmond tips and predictions read our Tigers’ season preview below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Key Gains</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Kaelan Bradtke (Supplemental selection period)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Seth Campbell (Rookie Draft)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Steely Green (No.55 draft pick)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Jacob Hopper (GWS Giants)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Kaleb Smith (No.49 draft pick)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Tim Taranto (GWS Giants)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Tylar Young (Rookie Draft)</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>There have been a few “Giant” signings for Richmond ahead of their new campaign.</p> <p>First-class midfielders Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper have joined from GWS.</p> <p>Both are high-quality recruits and should slot straight into the starting side. Signings such as this are what could be the difference between being a top 4 side instead of a top 8 one.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Key Losses</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Jake Aarts (Delisted)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Josh Caddy (Retired)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Riley Collier-Dawkins (Delisted)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Shane Edwards (Retired)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Kane Lambert (Retired)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Will Martyn (Delisted)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Matthew Parker (Delisted)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Sydney Stack (Delisted)</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>From the 26 man squad that fell just short against Brisbane in last year’s elimination final, only one player has departed.</p> <p>That player is one-club man Shane Edwards, who has decided to hang up the boots after more than 300 games for the Tigers.</p> <p>Edwards is widely considered to be one of Richmond’s all-time greatest players and it will be interesting to see how the club copes without his influence and experience.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Player To Watch</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Dustin Martin</strong></em></p> <p>Last year did not go to plan for Dustin Martin who only managed nine appearances across the 2022 campaign.</p> <p>Martin’s appearances were limited after he took personal leave early in the season and then injured his hamstring in round 16.</p> <p>He did make a heroic return just in time for the elimination final against Brisbane, but was unable to save his side from crashing out.</p> <p>Fully fit and mentally refreshed, 2023 could spell the start of Dusty’s redemption arc.</p> <p>When at the peak of his powers there are few players in the AFL better than the 31-year-old.</p> <p>A three time premiership winner, three time Norm Smith Medallist and of course a Brownlow recipient, Martin is among the greatest players to have ever pulled on a Richmond Guernsey.</p> <p>A fully fit and focused Dusty could very well be the difference between finishing inside the top four instead of outside it. The impact he will have on his beloved Tigers this year certainly makes Martin one to keep a very close eye on.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Richmond Tigers’ Season Prediction</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>Predicted finish: 4th</em></p> <p>Yes, last season ended in controversy-soaked heartbreak, but 2023 presents a clean slate for Richmond and its players.</p> <p>The dual acquisitions of Taranto and Hopper will sure up their middle, while a revitalised Dusty will be just like a new signing.</p> <p>There is no doubt that Richmond will be wounded after the manner in which they were eliminated by the Lions last season and what could be more dangerous than a wounded tiger?</p> <p>They may not be the powerhouse they once were, but they still have more than enough quality to plot an assault on the top four and from there, well, anything can happen.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Richmond Tigers’ Best 22</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>B:</strong> Dylan Grimes, Noah Balta, Robbie Tarrant</p> <p><strong>HB:</strong> Nathan Broad, Nick Vlastuin, Daniel Rioli</p> <p><strong>C:</strong> Marlion Pickett, Jacob Hopper, Kamdyn McIntosh</p> <p><strong>HF:</strong> Maurice Rioli, Shai Bolton, Liam Baker</p> <p><strong>F:</strong> Jack Riewoldt, Dustin Martin, Tom Lynch</p> <p><strong>Foll:</strong> Toby Nankervis, Dion Prestia, Tim Taranto</p> <p><strong>I/C: </strong>Josh Gibcus, Jayden Short, Trent Cotchin, Ben Miller</p>