Rioli (vs Vez)

[Donners]

Under Paul Roos, the following are our first draft picks and the number of games they've played.

2002 - Jarrad McVeigh (pick 3) - 98 games
2003 - Josh Willoughby (16) - 0
2004 - Jarred Moore (31) - 26
2005 - Matthew Laidlaw (51) - 1
2006 - Daniel O'Keefe (15) - 0
2007 - Patrick Veszpremi (11) - 0

It's hardly an inspiring record. Obviously there are a number of factors that need to be taken into account such as the premiership, and injuries to Laidlaw in particular. But in comparison to the rest of the AFL, Sydney would probably get the least number of games out of its top draft picks. Hopefully Vesz can buck the trend.

Hardly something new. Look at how well we did even with a host of early picks (I've included some mid-range ones for balance with the Roos ones).

1992 - Jason Spinks (5) - 0 [and traded the #1 pick for two players and 42 games)
1993 - Darren Gaspar (1) - 21
1993 - Glenn Gorman (4) - 0
1993 - Adam Heuskes (5) - 49
1993 - Wade Chapman (20) - 51
1993 - Dion Myles (22) - 8
1993 - Daryl Griffin (28) - 0
1994 - Anthony Rocca (2) - 22
1994 - Shannon Grant (3) - 58
1994 - Stuart Mangin (20) - 0
1994 - Matthew Nicks (21) - 175
1995 - Jared Crouch (8) - 202
1995 - Clinton King (21) - 9
1995 - Paul Licuria (24) - 10

The Eade era was quite good though, aside from '96.

1996 - Mark Kinnear (4) - 6
1996 - Brett O'Farrell (14) - 8
1996 - Rowan Warfe (17) - 65
1997 - Jason Saddington (11) - 142
1997 - Fred Campbell (40) - 5
1997 - Adam Goodes (43) - 225
1998 - Nic Fosdike (3) - 163
1998 - Ryan Fitzgerald (4) - 10
1998 - Jude Bolton (8) - 204
1998 - Heath James (28) - 18
1999 - Scott Stevens (21) - 25
1999 - Stephen Doyle (26) - 47
1999 - Ryan O'Keefe (56) - 158
2000 - Luke Ablett (24) - 114
2000 - Amon Buchanan (52) - 103
2001 - Mark Powell (28) - 8
2001 - Lewis Roberts-Thomson (29) - 91

[liz]

43, but don't let facts stand in the way of a good argument though.

As for Rioli v Vespa. Rioli has been good no doubt and his game against the Cats was awesome

BUT

I've seen plenty of both this year and I can honestly say that I wouldn't swap if we had the chance today. And I've got a funny feeling Vespa may make his debut this week.

I'm with Triple. Yes, we could do with a player like Rioli. We lack zip and goal opportunism up forward. And he is clearly a talented player. Whether he is able to retain the level of effectiveness over his career is still to be seen. Plenty of players haven't gone on after a very good first year and sustaining a career as a small forward is particularly hard.

But for all the benefits of Rioli, I think Vez potentially fills an even greater need - namely class, elite delivery skills and a healthy dose of swagger in our midfield. He'll probably start his senior career as a mid-sized forward but long term he has all the tools to be an outstanding mid.

[Captain]

I love these threads- pop up nearly every year "Why didnt we pick up *Insert young player having a great year name*. Its simple- the draft is more about luck then shrewd planning.

I would normally agree. In this case, Rioli was always a standout and I desperately wanted us to get him.

Bad mistake I think, but agree that it will take a couple of years to prove it is a bad mistake.

[humphrey bear]

Whether he is able to retain the level of effectiveness over his career is still to be seen. Plenty of players haven't gone on after a very good first year and sustaining a career as a small forward is particularly hard.

The good ones who show up early dont sustain a career as a small forward.

They are blokes like Cousins, B Harvey, Ablett, L Power & S Burgoyne who after a couple of pre seasons have the fitness base to move to the midfield.

Cryil will follow that path.

[ScottH]

Well Liz and 3B, you have now raised our hopes on the young fella, as I reckon Rioli is pretty special, so I can't wait to see Vez, if and when he debuts.

[eggbeater]

Here's hoping he plays a blinder for us!

[smasher]

Because he's crap just like his old man,his name got his foot in the door thats it.

He is the nephew of Maurice and Dean Rioli,not son of.
Ves is taller than Rioli who is 177 cms tall.Vez is listed at 181cms which is 5ft 11 in the old terms.Moore is 178cms(just over 5ft 10 as well.)
Crouch is the shortest on our list at 174cms (5ft 8ins),followed by Bird and Jack at 177cms(5ft 9ins)

[smasher]

Greg Miller is a bit of a gun recruiter so I imagine he will be in demand by other clubs.How do we rate our current recruiting team?

[liz]

Greg Miller is a bit of a gun recruiter so I imagine he will be in demand by other clubs.How do we rate our current recruiting team?

Greg Miller a gun recruiter?? Why have Richmond dumped him then?

[liz]

He is the nephew of Maurice and Dean Rioli,not son of.

I thought Dean was a nephew of Maurice. Aren't Dean and Cyril cousins?

[satchmopugdog]

I thought Dean was a nephew of Maurice. Aren't Dean and Cyril cousins?

Cyril is a nephew of Maurice Rioli and Michael Long or so it was espoused at draft time. It's placing a western concept of family onto Aboriginal culture.

[R&W fan]

Swantastic: for page 1 - Even if his name got him in, what's wrong with that!!

That's one of the rules of AFL!! a father son rule. I don't hear you saying anything about any other father son like, Ablett & many more etc... about how they got in coz of there name.

What is it just the indigenous ones ya like to pick at. Are you watching the game or the race!

[hammo]

Greg Miller is a bit of a gun recruiter so I imagine he will be in demand by other clubs.How do we rate our current recruiting team?

The 'gun recruiter' who overlooked Chris Judd... he'll have less job offers than you think.

[The MacDaddy]

I originally was spewing about the fact that we didn't pick of Rioli. But after the debut of Vespremi on the weekend, who we took instead of him I'm not that disapointed and wouldn't be suprised is Ves becomes a better player than Rioli.

[Industrial Fan]

Greg Miller a gun recruiter?? Why have Richmond dumped him then?

They want to give other clubs the same chance to share in their success.