They may be in the thick of it for Finals series qualification but Richmond are already planning their future after securing Daniel Jackson and Dylan Grimes to contract extensions this week.
The pair were expected to re-sign for the Tigers after impressing this season and join a host of talent to have already committed their futures to the team. Yet this couple prove that what Richmond are trying to implement – building consistency throughout the side – is working.
Jackson is a fine example of a Richmond player who wears his heart on his sleeve. Since starting his professional career at the MCG a decade ago, the 27-year-old has developed well and is arguably enjoying his best campaign in the AFL 2013 season to date. He’s a Tiger through and through, is willing to put in the hard graft and, importantly, is now of an age to pass on experience to younger players.
That younger generation is Dylan Grimes, who told AFL.com this week: “I’d love to be a one-club player and Richmond have given me more than I could ever hope for from an AFL club.” Sound familiar? The example Jackson has set is clearly rubbing off on the likes of Grimes and Richmond’s conveyor belt of talent is producing some real talent.
Most AFL betting fans know this club doesn’t have the goal scoring power to win the Premiership this term – Hawthorn and Geelong both posses forwards Richmond can only dream of – but this team is heading in the right direction and now have nine players re-signed for next year. The squad is set to grow within itself in 2014 and should Dustin Martin and Reece Conca also commit their futures to Richmond supporters can expect a Tigers assault on the Premiership next term.
