Richmond (7-6, 8th)
What's gone right: The Tigers have shown enormous heart for the majority of this season so far, producing a number of admirable performances and stirring wins while being decimated by injuries to some of their best players. Sydney Stack has been another who the Tigers would be hugely pleased about. The 19-year-old has well and truly announced himself to the AFL world, being one of the best first-year players and one of the overall feel-good stories of 2019.
What's gone wrong: Injuries, then more injuries, then more injuries. The Tigers haven't been able to catch a break when it comes to sideline stints in 2019. In perhaps a horrible run of luck, some of the worst injuries they have sustained have been to key position players, who are clearly harder to replace. Alex Rance set the tone in Round 1 with that sickening ACL injury, while Jack Riewoldt (PCL) and Toby Nankervis (adductor) merely added to the Tigers' woes.
Best and fairest: In a year where plenty has gone wrong for the Tigers, Bachar Houli has been a massive consolation for the Tigers. The 31-year-old is averaging over 28 disposals for the yellow and black and could be on track for his first Jack Dyer Medal.
Season grade: B
All things considered, it has been an extremely gallant effort by the Tigers to sit in the eight after such a long list of injuries sustained throughout the year. Richmond certainly won't want to be using injuries as an excuse, though, and won't be resting on their laurels when it comes to fighting for a spot in the eight and above.
