If your team could steal one player: Richmond Tigers

Having won three Premierships in four years before a lacklustre season in 2021, the Tigers will be looking to set themselves up for success both in the near future and the long term.

In order to achieve such a goal, the Tigers turned to the draft where they managed to snag five players in the top 30 selections, including young gun Josh Gibcus.

With the recent departures of Bachar Houli, David Astbury, Mabior Chol and Callum Coleman-Jones and the imminent departures of stars Trent Cotchin, Jack Riewoldt and Shane Edwards, the Tigers find themselves in a bit of a pickle with regards to what age demographic they should be utilising.

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In saying this, the Yellow and Black still have star power all over the ground and with Damien Hardwick at the wheel, Richmond will be expected to make finals and beyond in 2022.

Gaps in best 22

Surprisingly, even with the departures of Houli and Astbury, the Tigers' defence would have to be their strongest part of their team.

However, delineated by their deplorable clearance and contested possession numbers, Richmond must bolster their ageing midfield immediately.

Furthermore, even though Toby Nankervis has been a solid ruckman for the Tigers in recent years, they will need to improve their ruck stocks in order to overcome their clearances issue. Not only this, but the ruckman they need will have to help out their rearguard, so they can set up a defensive wall as they love to do.

Richmond also had problems on the wing this year, throwing the likes of Kamdyn McIntosh, Marlion Pickett, Josh Caddy, Patrick Naish, Jack Ross and Hugo Ralphsmith out wide to try and provide some run and carry. However, only McIntosh was able to find a consistent spot in the side, highlighting the need for a new winger to accompany him.

Lastly, with the mosquito fleet now disassembled, the Tigers will be looking to find a small forward who can help create the forward pressure the side thrives on, whilst also making the most of opportunities in front of goal.

Options to steal

Option 1: Clayton Oliver

If you need clearances and contested possessions, why not go for the inside midfielder bull that is Clayton Oliver.

His ability to do the dirty work and shovel out handpasses from stoppages would enable the Tigers to get their running game going through the centre of the ground. It would also allow the likes of Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin and Shane Edwards the ability to find a good option going forward.

The 24-year-old is also at the perfect age demographic for the Tigers since he is already a superstar player and will be around for at least seven to eight more years.

Option 2: Max Gawn

If Clayton Oliver isn't enough to boost your midfield's ability to get clearances and contested possessions, then Max Gawn definitely should.

The five-time All-Australian was a massive part of the Demons' premiership push this year due to his ability to create magic at stoppages, help out the defence and kick goals. This is exactly what the Tigers need.

Furthermore, his leadership would be crucial for Richmond as they search for a new captain following the resignation of three-time premiership captain Trent Cotchin from the role.

Option 3: Hugh McCluggage

Hugh McCluggage has probably been the premier winger of the competition over the last few years thanks to his terrific endurance, football IQ and ball use.

If he were on the Tigers, he would be able to help the defence out and then bring the ball up the field with his skills and pace.

Like Oliver, he is at the perfect age to help Richmond become contenders in the short-term whilst also being good enough to push the Tigers towards another flag in four to five years.

Option  4: Charlie Cameron

Given that the Tigers have had lots of issues in front of goal in recent times, a livewire small forward like Charlie Cameron would be perfect.

Not only this, but his pace would help cause pressure - a trademark of Richmond to get the Tigers set up defensively, intercept and create repeat entries.

He also possesses a terrific talent of finding the right option due to his terrific ball use which could help the Tigers find spearheads Jack Riewoldt and Tom Lynch more often.

Verdict

Richmond's most glaring issue seems to come in the form of their midfield. They constantly lose clearance and contested possession battles, which makes it very difficult for them to play their pressure game and set up defensively.

Therefore, adding Clayton Oliver to their midfield would enable the Tigers onballers to play more attacking, suitable roles. Further, with inside midfielder Trent Cotchin set to leave at the end of 2022, Oliver could help fill the void left behind.

Adding Oliver would also take the pressure off superstar Dustin Martin, allowing him to push forward and have more of an impact on the game using his strength, speed and skill.

Next up in the series will be the Saints. Who could they snag to get them back into the thick of things once again?