RICHO’S TOP 10: Charlie Curnow not playing well in AFL finals does not mean he is not an A-grade player

1. Opening Round will start a day late but it will definitely not be a dollar short.

While it’s hugely disappointing the season won’t start with premiers Brisbane unfurling their flag at the Gabba it was the right call to postpone the Queensland games due to the cyclone danger. But we still have a ripping opening act with the Swans hosting the Hawks.

Both teams having points to prove early this year. The Swans under new coach Dean Cox just want the opening siren to sound to sound so they can start erasing their grand final nightmare. The Swans dominated the first half of the 2024 season through pressure and tackle efficiency. That really dropped away in the second half of the season.

They have individual talent covered but were exposed badly on biggest footy day of the year. The Hawks will start the year with their 2024 success as their baseline. After watching the Channel Seven Hawks documentary, Full Sweat, you can see they have plenty of growing to do.

On Sunday the Giants will be without Jesse Hogan and Jake Stringer against a Pies side I think will bounce back in 2025 with the additions of ex-Giant Harry Perryman, Tim Membrey and Dan Houston. Hogan is a huge out so I am tipping Collingwood and also backing Sydney to get it done.

There is still of plenty of time to back your tips in and join The Game tipping competition before the first bounce. Take on your mates or see if you can show Abbey Holmes and I up. Just click here to sign up as it’s dead easy to do so.

2. GWS is on a great trajectory as a club.

Not long ago they seemed to lose top young players year after year to other “destination” clubs. Even this last off-season they lost Perryman and Isaac Cumming but I doubt many more genuine stars will leave. The re-signing of Connor Idun and Finn Callaghan in recent weeks reinforces that a maiden flag isn’t far away.

3. I heard an interesting call by Garry Lyon.

He stated that Charlie Curnow was not an A-grade player. His reasoning was Curnow hadn’t performed at his best in the finals. Does that mean only players that play finals can be A-graders? Some of the game’s greatest didn’t play in a lot, if any finals. Bobby Skilton and Melbourne’s Robbie Flower come to mind and they are both A-graders. For the record I most certainly think Charlie is. Interesting debate that Garry has started. Do you agree?

4. One of the highlights of the trial games last week was at the Bombers and the four-goal performance of Isaac Kako.

He is exactly what Essendon have been missing for a few years, a small electric forward. They haven’t had one since Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti. The Bombers Whatsapp groups would have lit up after the win over the Cats.

5. On the Bombers, my final prediction before the start of the season is Nate Caddy will win the Rising Star award.

I loved his first season and he is still eligible this year. He floats through the air when going for his marks and he can take them coming in from all angles. These are great traits in a marking forward.

6. A positional move can not only save a career, it can rejuvenate and extend it.

Early in 2008 Terry Wallace asked if I was up for a move to the wing. I reluctantly agreed. It turned out to be a most enjoyable season. I love that Chris Scott has put on record he will move Paddy Dangerfield to deep forward. It could be a great move for the Cats and the superstar. Chris’s brother Brad is trying something similar at the Bombers by moving Dylan Shiel to the back half. The Swans also looking at getting Tom McCartin forward.

7. So many injuries this pre-season, it appears there have been more than ever.

I don’t have any data to back this up, but pre-seasons are almost a month shorter than 20 years ago. One footy boss at clubland doesn’t think it’s a factor. I know others do. Let’s hope the injury trend doesn’t continue in the coming years. One thing is certain, the intensity and pace in games is far greater than 20 years ago and you simply can’t avoid the collision injuries and injuries in tackles like Errol Gulden sustained at the weekend.

8. I believe the AFL could have set the tone when Eagle Reuben Ginbey nudged Richmond’s Sam Lalor into a marking contest two weeks ago.

Lalor suustained fracture in his jaw and last weekend we saw Brandon Starcevich and Mitch Owen’s injured in similar incidents. The AFL could have put this on notice after the Lalor incident. They didn’t. These are dangerous act that need to stop.

9. I was in Tassie during the week and there is still a lot of negativity around a new stadium.

Tasmanians need to realise this isn’t a stadium for just AFL games. It’s a stadium that will have a conference for 1500 people weekly, it can host musical acts that never go to Tassie and the Hobart Hurricanes will play Big Bash cricket there. Plus the JackJumpers could play NBL games there and it will host international sports. It must be built. Let’s shift the focus away from AFL.

10. Here’s my early grand final entertainment call.

Over the summer I was lucky enough to see Cold Chisel live at the Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne. They are still playing as well as ever. So many classic anthems that are instantly recognisable to non-Chisel fans. My wife loved it. Classic Aussie rock would bring the house down at the MCG.