Tigers' Horror Start Sparks Roster Overhaul Calls

The aftermath of Richmond’s disastrous season opener against the Gold Coast Suns has sent shockwaves rippling through the AFL community. In a scathing assessment, four-time premiership player Jordan Lewis has urged the Tigers to conduct an “honest” evaluation of their list, suggesting that a mass cull could be on the cards if their horror start persists.

The Tigers’ disappointing 39-point loss to the Suns, in which they trailed by as many as 67 points at one stage, has been dubbed “pathetic” by AFL pundit Mark Robinson. Trailing 43-4 at one point, Richmond’s lack of competitiveness and defensive resolve has raised serious concerns about the squad’s ability to contend this season.

Lewis, known for his no-nonsense approach, has called on the Tigers to take swift action, suggesting that a failure to turn things around in the next four or five weeks could prompt a dramatic overhaul of the roster. “If you’re 1-5, is it a really early snapshot of where the future lies with this side?” Lewis questioned on AFL 360. “I think, like a lot of sides that have had success, there comes a period of time where you need to be honest and assess where the list is at and where the club is at, and as quick as you possibly can make a decision.”

The former Hawthorn star’s comments echo the sentiment of many AFL pundits who believe that Richmond’s golden era, which saw them claim three premierships between 2017 and 2020, could be drawing to a close. With the likes of Dustin Martin (32), Dylan Grimes (32), Dion Prestia (31), and Tom Lynch (31) all on the wrong side of 30, questions are being raised about the Tigers’ ability to remain competitive in the coming years.

Robinson, never one to mince words, was equally scathing in his assessment of Richmond’s performance, labeling it “pathetic” and questioning the club’s depth beyond their seasoned veterans. “They looked soft. They looked in such disarray. They were getting beaten up by the Gold Coast Suns,” he said. “They haven’t got the talent underneath.”

While the Tigers have made some tough inclusions for their clash against Carlton on Thursday, including the return of Lynch and Martin, the prevailing sentiment seems to be that more drastic measures may be required if Richmond’s struggles continue.

As Lewis bluntly put it, “Let’s start to see what we’ve got underneath the senior crop that have been so good. Let’s start to look at the future and not necessarily play the senior players that have been so good.”

With the Tigers’ season potentially hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on Punt Road in the coming weeks as the club grapples with the difficult decision of whether to remain loyal to their battle-hardened veterans or embrace a new era of youth and regeneration.