So....The first round is under way

And was I wrong in my assumption that Carlton would get over the Tigers? No, no I wasn't.

The Tigers showed some positive signs though, and for mine, not all is lost. This season will not be an enjoyable one in the typical sense...the Tigers won't be winning many games. But the future is there on display. I'm going to concentrate on 4 young men who can really make a difference going forwards.

Trent Cotchin

This kid is a beauty. He's going to be the perfect, modern-day midfielder. Once he develops a little more, his inside game is going to become very deadly - he reads the ball well and his hands are reasonably sure in tight. Outside, he's damaging. He can kick off both sides, and kick it well. He's a quick player who'll look to run and carry the ball. That's what you want in modern day footy - a player snaring the ball out of the clearance and accelerating into space, and then delivering the ball with precision. I'm on the bandwagon, well and truly.

Dustin Martin

Wasn't as good an outing as he had in the NAB Cup - but that is to be expected as the intensity certainly picks up when the real games start. He's tough, he's damaging inside, he's got a defensive side to his game, and he's a punishing user of the ball. He'll add a lot to their midfield mix, and working in conjunction with Deledio, Cotchin, Jackson and Connors, can become part of a fairly solid midfield group capable of testing most sides.

Ben Nason

Kicked a few absolute howlers, but also worked hard all night. He led up consistently - and even more importantly, he had good hands on the lead. He kicked a nice goal too, which would've brought a smile to many of the Richmond faithfuls faces. For mine, he looked most dangerous in the F50, and his attack on the ball and body will help a lot with the defensive pressure in the Tigers forward line. That is where I would play him, as from the back line or through the middle his kicking (based on what we witnessed in Round 1) isn't quite up to standard.

Relton Roberts

He's going to be an excitement machine. I know a few people have been commenting that he didn't look fit enough, and they are probably not far wrong. He'll need a few years in the system to really develop an elite motor. At the same time, getting his game sense and ability to read the ball a bit sharper, and really adjust to the pace of AFL will help him a lot. At times he was running between contests and unable to really make an impact at any of them. With some more matches under his belt, he'll get a better understanding of where to run, and reduce the number of efforts wasted. For mine, I'd like to see him off a back pocket or half back flank. He's quick, and loves to take the game on. Giving him a certain role will also mean that he has to be accountable to one player only - and also reducing the amount of general chasing and harassing he will have to do. He's the sort of guy that could play on the Rioli's, and Alwyn Davey's out there. Let's see what Hardwick decides to do.