Just thought I would give you a heads up on Jack Dyer Medal,no suprise to see Jack win it,the top 10 below,
no real suprises,I guess I was right when I said Shane Edwards had an improved season.
Great to see Shane Tuck finish in top 5,considering he wasn’t wanted this time last year,terribly sad about his
brother,the AFL have it wrong on their drug policy,the Clubs should be told.

Jack Riewoldt has capped off a superb, break-out season of AFL football by winning his inaugural Jack Dyer Medal.

Riewoldt becomes the first player in Richmond’s history to win the Best and Fairest and the competition’s leading goalkicker award in the same season.

The exciting, young full-forward, who took out the Coleman Medal, with 78 goals in the 2010 home-and-away season, edged out Tiger captain Chris Newman in a thrilling Jack Dyer Medal count held in the Palladium Ballroom at Crown this evening.

Riewoldt polled 210 votes to win by six from Newman on 204 votes, with Brett Deledio, winner of the past two Jack Dyer Medals, in third place on 193 votes. Dustin Martin underlined the impact he had in his debut season by finishing fourth with 159 votes, while in fifth place was Shane Tuck, who continued his remarkable run in the Jack Dyer Medal. It was Tuck’s sixth top-10 finish in six full seasons of AFL football with the Tigers. Shane Edwards, who received the Club’s Most Improved Player award, was sixth, while Trent Cotchin, despite missing four games late in the season due to suspension, finished seventh.

It took Riewoldt until Round 9 to take the lead in the 2010 Jack Dyer Medal count, which he did, courtesy of a top-class, six-goal effort in a losing side against Essendon. The 21-year-old then racked up the votes in the following few rounds, scoring a perfect 25 for his outstanding, match-winning 10-goal display against West Coast at the MCG in Round 12. Riewoldt had a comfortable 14-vote lead after Round 15, but by the end of Round 19, Newman had worked his way in front. The Tiger skipper still held a slender lead after Round 20, but a brilliant seven-goal performance by Riewoldt, in the Round 21 loss to St Kilda at Etihad Stadium, was the clincher. Riewoldt regained the lead and did enough in the final round to hang on to claim his first Jack Dyer Medal.

Throughout the 2010 season, Riewoldt scored three goals or more 14 times, and four goals or more on eight occasions. From Round 8-15, he kicked 43 goals, which was the highest individual total in a consecutive eight-game period by an AFL player since Essendon’s Matthew Lloyd in 2001. Riewoldt was ranked No. 1 at the Club for total marks (123), No. 1 for contested marks (54), No. 1 for marks inside-50 (79) and equal No. 5 for tackles (68).

Newman enjoyed his best season of league football in 2010 and his second placing in the Jack Dyer Medal was his highest finish in the Club’s Best and Fairest. The Tigers captain averaged 19.5 disposals per game in his 21 appearances and had 20 disposals or more 12 times. He was ranked No. 2 in the rebound-50s category at the Club (79), No. 5 for total disposals (410), No. 4 for total marks (101), No. 6 for inside-50 entries (52) and equal No. 5 for tackles (68).

Deledio had an excellent season, in a new role under coach, Damien Hardwick, as a rebounding half-back. The 23-year-old veteran of 128 league games had 20 disposals or more 20 times. He was ranked No. 1 at the Club for kicks (302), No. 2 for handballs (254), No. 1 for total disposals (556), No. 2 for total marks (116), No. 1 for inside-50 entries (76) and No. 1 for rebound-50s (93).

Martin had an instant impact in Richmond’s midfield throughout his debut season of AFL football. The 19-year-old averaged just over 20 disposals per match in his 21 games, and had 20 disposals or more 11 times. He was ranked No. 1 at the Club for clearances (97), No. 3 for total disposals (425), No. 2 for inside-50 entries (74), No. 2 for contested possessions (179) and No. 4 for tackles (70).

Tuck didn’t earn senior selection at Tigerland until Round 3, but he quickly made up for lost time with his customary vote-catching form. The 28-year-old averaged 25.5 disposals per game in his 20 appearances and had 20 disposals or more 16 times. He was ranked No. 3 at the Club for kicks (227), No. 1 for handballs (283), No. 2 for total disposals (510), No. 2 for clearances (92), No. 3 for inside-50 entries (66) and No. 1 for tackles (103).

The voting system for the Jack Dyer Medal is, as follows . . .

After each game, the five members of the Club’s match committee cast votes for each of the team’s 22 players.

Each player receives zero to five votes from each coach, so the most an individual player can poll in a match is 25 votes.

Five votes are awarded for an outstanding performance, four for an excellent game, all the way down to zero if the player is well beaten on the day.

Other award winners announced at the 2010 Jack Dyer Medal night were:
Bill Cosgrove/Harry Jenkins Best First Year Player: Dustin Martin
Francis Bourke Award: Chris Newman
Michael Roach Award for Leading Goalkicker: Jack Riewoldt
Most Improved Player: Shane Edwards

Kevin Bartlett Medal (5th place in the Best and Fairest): Shane Tuck
Fred Swift Medal (4th place in the B & F): Dustin Martin
Maurie Fleming Medal (3rd place in the B & F): Brett Deledio
Jack Titus Medal (2nd place in the B & F): Chris Newman
Jack Dyer Medal (1st place in the B & F): Jack Riewoldt

Following, is a list of the top 10 vote-getters in the 2010 Jack Dyer Medal:

2010 Jack Dyer Medal
1st Jack Riewoldt 210 votes
2nd Chris Newman 204
3rd Brett Deledio 193
4th Dustin Martin 159
5th Shane Tuck 153
6th Shane Edwards 151
7th Trent Cotchin 131
8th Kelvin Moore 123
9th Jake King 117
10th Daniel Jackson 114

MARK MAUNDER PRESIDENT SYDNEY TIGERS
0410036136

Well Folks
I must say that I couldn’t get to the Pub yesterday to watch the game.
I got a phone call from Football Manager at St George AFL where Luke plays if
I could look after the injuries and strapping for all 3 teams playing at Olds Park.
At least they payed me for the day’s work.
Luke’s Reserve Grade team had a heartbreaking 55-57 loss to Nor West Jets
and could have knocked them out of fourth spot.

His younger brother Dominic had more luck winning 15c Soccer Major Semi 1-0.

I haven’t had a chance to watch a replay of the game just yet,but hope to,but it
appears a much better effort than last week.
And of course our old mate Jack kicked a lazy 7,odds on to win the Coleman Medal,
an outstanding effort playing in a team running second last.

Bad news about Ben Cousins straining a hamstring,hopefully he can get a fairwell game.

Haven’t booked my flights yet,don’t know if I will go down if Cuzzy is not playing.
Also given we have the trivia night.

Guys I have had replies from Nicole Royals,Lisa Rose and Rachel Burns indicating they
will have tables on the night,and our Treasurer Tim Frohlich has confirmed his attendance.
Tim has also sponsored our group for $250-00,many thanks Tim.

We need to know numbers so we can tell the caterers how manyn people are attending.
We are intending to make sure you get a decent amount of food for your $20-0 entry
and there will be $200-00 for the winning table.
Given the set up of the pub table sizes will be restricted to numbers of 4 -6.

Our trivia expert John Petkovshek will be putting the questions together,I will
be MC,good for a laugh or two.
We are co-hosting the event with Sydney Magpies and our groups will share
in $10-00 profit for every pesron that attends.

Please let me know asap if you are planning to attend.
MATCH REPORT
A JACK Riewoldt-inspired Richmond has fallen to a 21-point loss after pushing St Kilda for most of Saturday’s clash at Etihad Stadium.
The 17.13 (115) to 14.10 (94) result was the Saints’ 13th victory in succession over the Tigers – a streak that dates back to round four, 2003.
However, the game might have also been the farewell appearance for retiring veteran Ben Cousins, who strained his left hamstring during the third quarter.
While Cousins’ injury soured the afternoon somewhat, the battle of the Riewoldts provided plenty of highlights at either end of the ground.
Jack Riewoldt bagged seven goals for Richmond to win the Ian Stewart Medal, while his cousin Nick booted 3.3 for St Kilda.
Justin Koschitzke (five goals), Nick Dal Santo (36 possessions) and Brendon Goddard (29) were other dominant players on the winning side, as was Leigh Montagna, who picked up 42 touches.
Goddard enjoyed both highs and lows. He took one of the finest marks of the season during the second quarter, then cost his team a goal when he was responsible for an interchange infringement in the third.
Back after a four-week suspension, midfielder Trent Cotchin was an impressive contributor for the Tigers, while Jack Riewoldt took his season tally to 75 goals, and kept him in front of Bulldogs forward Barry Hall in the race for the Coleman Medal.
Jake King was another surprise packet in attack with three goals.
Richmond began well and led by 17 points with less than three minutes to go in the opening quarter.
But two late majors had the Saints within five points at the first change, and they hit the front early in the second term through Koschitzke.
However, the Tigers kept battling, and thanks to a brilliant goal from Cotchin they trailed their top-four opponents by only five points at the long break.
The Saints’ class shone through during the second half, though it took until the early stages of the last quarter for them to finally break clear.
St Kilda 5.2 10.6 13.9 17.13 (115)
Richmond 6.1 10.1 12.3 14.10 (94)
GOALS
St Kilda: Koschitzke 5, Riewoldt 3, Dal Santo 2, Goddard 2, Armitage, Gram, Milne, Montagna Pattison
Richmond: Riewoldt 7, King 3, Cotchin 2, Moore, Taylor
BEST
St Kilda: Montagna, Goddard, Koschitzke, Dal Santo, Riewoldt, Gilbert
Richmond: Riewoldt, Cotchin, King, Deledio, Connors, Edwards
INJURIES
St Kilda: Nil
Richmond: Cousins (hamstring), Thursfield (corked thigh)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Wenn, Jennings, McInerney
Official crowd: 33,790 at Etihad Stadium

A sad day tomorrow,Ben Cousins will announce his retirement from AFL football.

I suggest that following a meeting with Richmond today that perhaps they may have indicated
that he would not be offered a contract for next year but I am guessing.

Discussing with a few of the guys at the pub on Saturday as we watched us get belted
by Carlton,we all agreed that Ben was good enough to go around for two reasons

1. He is clearly in our best 22
2,We don’t have the depth that other clubs have to afford to let a quality player
like Ben Cousins go.

Having said that the Club obviously want to move forward with youth.

As a Richmond supporter I was proud of the Richmond Football Club,for giving Ben Cousins
an opportunity to play AFL football again
I believe the RFC and it’s supporters embraced Ben and he embraced the RFC.

It will be a sad day when he plays his last game against Port Adelaide
on Sunday August 29,2-10 PM game.
Hopefully Ben will stay involved with the Richmond Football Club.

Just wanted to thank the big crowd at the Camelia Grove Hotel on Saturday,
very disappointing game,great to see our old mate Marc Lawrence back.

MARK MAUNDER

I am a very proud Richmond supporter this morning. To beat a top four side like Fremantle with one fit player on the bench after halftime was inspiring and very Brave.  Whilst we executed our skills better in the wide open spaces of the MCG against the Swans last week, last night was our most courageous win for the year.  Courageous because of the lack of personnel for two quarters, Corageous because of the disruptive build up of the week, Courageous because of how inexperienced our list is, Courageous because of the quality of side beaten.  

I take my hat off to our coaching staff.  I think with Mark Williams departing Port Adelaide yesterday they would be absolutely livid with their decision not to sign Hardwick last year. Essendon would be ruing the day they took Knights over Dimma aswell.  Their loss is definitely our gain.  Dimma is down on the boundary line riding every bump, tackle with our young players. He loves them they love him they are growing and learning together.  It is plain as day from we’re I sit that the players are playing for eachother and for the coach.  It is heartfelt, and heart warming to see that the club is united on this journey together. 

 I am really enjoying seeing our players develop so quickly. Edwards, Farmer, Nason, Cotchin, Martin, Griffiths, Astbury, Reiwoldt and even our captain Newman has improved.  His leadership over the past few weeks has been terrific. I had the pleasure of meeting a lot of our young players after the swans game. All were happy to speak with the fans and have their photos taken.  

Maybe I am getting a bit ahead of myself, but I always trust my instincts and my instincts tell me something wonderful is brewing at Tigerland.  In my 30 years of following the Tigers I have never felt that our club was in safe hands until now. I was impressed with Hardwick from the moment I heard his acceptance speach of the RFC coaching job. He is articulate, unassuming, and has natural leadership qualities.  Hardwick has an air of Sheedy about him. That air is the ability to develop kids and get the best out of them. I think he could very well be that career coach that Richmond has always needed. He could be that stability that the club has desperately searched for. If we can bring our young kids through together, with one coach like your Geelong’s and the Melbourne Storm then I think sustained success could be achievable. That 11th premiership a realisitc goal.   These kids are not the Tigers of old, but the exciting Tigers of today.  They are creating their own positive culture, learning and developing. A lot comes from working hard, playing tough team first football. I’m loving every moment of it…….EAT EM ALIVE!!!!

Bree McAullay ( Secretary STSG)

 A lazy Sunday afternoon at the G watching the Tigers smash the Eagles is definitely my cup of tea.  Richmond supporters everywhere would have been proud of this performance. The 30,000 Tiger crowd felt more like 50,000 everytime Jack Reiwoldt and Dustin Martin had the ball. They both were the architects of dismantling  the Eagles along with Delideo.  Jack’s 10 goals was a great individual effort, and his strength in the marking contests and straight kicking gave the side reward for effort up the ground. Martin had 14 disposals in one quarter of football and setup the win with multiple clearances from the centre. His strength through his hips and balance on both sides of his body is extroadinary for a first year player. He definitely is in the Robert Harvey mould. I personally think he will go close in the rising star award this season.  The atmosphere of the crowd was terrific and I got a real sense that the Richmond faithful walked away from the win excited about the future with our emerging stars in Reiwoldt and Martin. I asked before the season started who would be the new face of Tigerland. Well this weekend we have our answer. Jack Reiwoldt.  

Other players who deserve a mention are Shane Edwards who had probably the best game I have seen him play. Edward used the ball well, making sound decisions and set up Jack on a number of occasions. Delideo behind the ball in the backline has been a great move from Hardwick and our Graham, Vickery combo in the Ruck did fine jobs on Cox and Natanui. 

There is a lot to like about our improving side.  Particularly our centre line in Cotchin, Martin, Jackson and Tuck. Add Foley to the mix and with another full preseason for each of them I think we have an exciting mix who win their own contested ball.  Jack needs support in the forward line and I hope Ben Griffiths and David Astbury can stand up and play a supporting role this week against the Lions.

 The challenge is to back up last week’s win with a solid win interstate against a top 8 fancy. We haven’t won two games in a row for a long time and with the Lions looking depleted this week may be our week.

Tigers by 17 points.

Bree McAullay

Secretary Sydney tigers Supporters group

Been waiting for Craig’s Cameron weekly report but not forthcoming.
What can he say if we took a step forward against Hawthorn,I thought we took 2 steps back
against Essendon.

I think we did not show the same tenancity we did against Hawthorn,Essendon were able to run
free and break tackles,and we didn’t move the ball effeciently enough.

The one positive was Jack Riewoldt who was outstanding and has really developed into a good player,he needs
more help,David Astbury will be a good player and supposedly Ben Griffiths will give us that tall option,
has been carrying a shoulder injury.

There are a couple of news articles and the first one makes me very angry.

Apparently GWS are making a play for Dustin Martin,so to keep him we have to pay overs.
These new clubs are given an absolute leg up,early draft picks,extra salary cap money for
marquee players,I am starting to hate these clubs already.
So to keep our young players we have to ward off cashed up clubs,and we won’t get the benefit
of early draft picks,I think we will start at number 4.
You gotta love the AFL, a club at Western Sydney pleease.

Second news is Troy Simmonds imminent retirement,I don’t like to criticise the Club
but why did we re sign him for one more year,why didn’t we make a play for Jolly,
Ruckmen don’t grow on trees they take time to develop,which is quite obvious in the
case of Ty Vickery,I reckon Angus Graham has been going well in the last two weeks
and is worth perservering with.

Finally we have a game this Saturday against Port Adelaide on Saturday afternoon,
3-10 EST,the game will be shown at Camelia Grove Hotel,pardon my non attendance,
I organized a Back to Easts Rugby Day reunion (spent 17 years there) for Saturday afternoon,
will duck into the Club to check the finish.

Just on last Saturday night’s game we had a great turnout and viewed the game on the
new projector in the lounge area,was a great spot,we had over 15 people ,plus a couple of Bombers supporters
the Melbourne group had 3,but that doesn’t suprise.

I reckon we are a chance against Port Adelaide,particuarly with Daniel Motlop being suspended and of
course Tredrea out injured.
Hope you can get along to the Pub and enjoy the game.

RICHMOND young gun Dustin Martin has a potential $2.4 million contract ahead of him after just eight games of football.
It is believed Martin, 18, has a verbal offer of $800,000 a season over three seasons from 2012 from the New South Wales expansion team, despite denials yesterday from Greater Western Sydney.
The good news for Tigers fans is Martin wants to stay at Punt Rd and contract negotiations with the Tigers will be discussed in the second half of this year.
If he stays, he could reasonably demand between $400,000-$500,000 a season
VETERAN Richmond ruckman Troy Simmonds is set to retire from AFL football.
Simmonds hasn’t played since Round 6, and with the Tigers will be looking to develop young talls Tyrone Vickery, Angus Graham and Andrew Browne, he has decided to draw his career to a close.
Rather than see out the season – as Adelaide skipper Simon Goodwin and Sydney captain Brett Kirk announced in the past week – Fairfax Media is reporting he will retire after playing one more game, possibly the club’s next home game on Friday week.
These reports come as speculation has intensified on another Tigers veteran – Ben Cousins – who yesterday said he understood why the media was speculating on his future.

MARK MAUNDER PRESIDENT RICHMOND TIGERS SYDNEY SUPPORTERS GROUP
0410036136

I have been a Richmond Football Club supporter for over 30 years and a loyal member for well over a third of those years. Although we have been starved of success my loyalty has never waivered.  I love the club it is as simple as that, and I pay my membership because I want to make sure my money goes to supporting the club I love.  I am in total disbelief this week.  The disappointing events that happened last Sunday morning have made me ask  WHY? Why do I give up my time to raise money for our great club, why do I pay my memberships each year and why do I turn up to watch our games?  WHEN WE HAVE PLAYERS WHO SIMPLY DO NOT RESPECT WHAT IT MEANS TO PLAY FOR THE RICHMOND FOOTBALL CLUB!!  Damien I know we’re a young list, but we need to ensure we bring the right people into this club, players who will wear our jumper with pride and respect.  At the moment it seems we have players who care about only themselves. They are yet to be competitive this season, and would rather have a few million schooners at a Sydney Hotel than recover and plan for their next match. We may not win many games this season but in a season that is painting a bleak pitcure it is imperitive the fans see that we have a committed group of players who are desperate to improve and play in a successful era at Tigerland. You can preach as many blueprints for success as you want but if we don’t have the right people with the right mindset, right temperament, drive and committment the plan may aswell be a beer coaster under your schooner.  Geelong is the blue print. The stance from the club in response to this latest embarrassment has been emphatic and harsh and totally warranted.  Lets hope the penny drops for these players soon because they are getting paid a hell of a lot for dishing up this crap!

A heavy defeat in round one had the media banging the doom and gloom drum down at punt road  this week. I sat through and watched all the media shows and we copped some heavy hits from Wallsy, Parkin, Healy, Taylor and the like. Everyone is prediciting a bottom two finish for both the Tigers and Demons with most saying its just a matter of which order we finish.  Everyone’s assessment of our list is that it’s poor and with two new teams coming into the competition, all the talk suggests that the future isnt bright.  Some questions were asked that if Richmond are serious about rebuilding then why are Cousins and Simmonds still in the 22? Its fair to say both Cousins and Simmonds won’t be around in 3 years to see the fruits of our investment with the young cubs. Whilst I am a fan of Cousin’s talent, I am less supportive of the inclusion of Simmonds.  Simmonds had a poor game lastweek, many times we were exposed in the ruck and at atleast 5 times in the forward or backline line our ruckman failed to make the contest. I have no doubt we need some experience in the 22 to help steer the kids around the paddock and this is one of Cuz’s many talents. He mentors the younger guys around him on and off the field and this combined with his athletic tank is the reason why he is one of the first guys picked each week.  Talls don’t grow on trees, however Richmond are not short on talls and I would like to see Angus Graham, Ty Vickery, Andrew Browne and Jaden Post all get a go. We need to invest game time in these types of guys if they are to hold down key position posts in the future.  Having these guys in the two’s is a wasted season of development in my opinion.  They need to play on the best players in the country and learn from their experiences whether good or bad. We have the Bulldogs this week and I just hope the kids can be competitive and take a way a hell of a lot from one of the best teams in the competition.

Opinion only – Bree McAullay

President Mark Maunder travelled to Craigieburn for the traditional Richmond Family Day.
A trip worth making,got to see where Craigieburn is situated,a fair way out from Melbourne
in a new development,quite a nice suburb.

The new Ground looks great,wasn’t open to the public and the finishes touches are being put
on the Dressing Rooms,overall looks like a good training facility.
(Photos of Ground in Photo Gallery)

Got the chance to chat to Gary March and Brendan Gale who appreciate the support of the Sydney Tigers,both gentleman have made a commitment to our function and the Club will also be sending two injured players to our function.

Gary March even took the time to mention my name as having travelled down from Sydney during the jumper presentation,which was appreciated.
It’s good to know there is support for our group from RFC

So what’s the message from Damien Hardwick for 2010.
The future,this year is not just a development year,but the start of the future of the Richmond Football
Club and helping it to achieve success in the new years ahead.
Lots of likely new recruits,plenty of athletic type players,there will be some tough times this year but
Damien Hardwick and his Coaching staff have a blueprint and will not deviate from it,and they have the support of the board who know that it’s time to rebuild.

Let’s hope the building blocks of today reap success in the future.

Another preseason is coming to an end, our first without our beloved Matthew Richardson. So what can the RFC fans look forward to this season? One thing is for certain, it will be interesting to see who emerges as the next big thing at Tigerland this season. For so long Richmond has emersed itself in everything Richo. There is no doubting Richo was the heart and soul of our club, but who will step up and fill these gigantic shoes this season and beyond? Who will the Tiger faithful pin their hopes on come match day, and most importantly who will be the face of the club to drive memberships and bring the fans through the gates to watch and cheer? We have a lot to look forward to this season….watch this space!

Bree McAullay