The season so far
The Tigers have found a sustainable brand of football that will make them competitive with the top teams and take them to September. That is the lesson from the opening 11 rounds, which have only included one poor performance, against Adelaide in round six. A fresh, fast game style and a small, high-pressure forward line have been crucial to the 7-4 start, with stars Dustin Martin, Alex Rance and Trent Cotchin also in excellent form. The club's recruiting has proved savvy, particularly the pick-up of ruckman Toby Nankervis with the form of Dion Prestia and Josh Caddy building. On-field leadership in tight games was questioned after three straight nail-biting losses, but the players have responded and the Tigers are a difficult team to play against.
Quarters won: 22
Players used: 34
Yet to play: Shaun Hampson, Ivan Maric, Jacob Townsend, Jack Graham, Nathan Broad, Nathan Drummond, Ryan Garthwaite, Callum Moore, Mabior Chol, Tyson Stengle.
Stats leaders
Disposals: Dustin Martin (329)
Marks: Jack Riewoldt (70)
Goals: Jack Riewoldt (29)
Tackles: Trent Cotchin (73)
Metres gained: Dustin Martin (avg: 564.4)
One percenters: Alex Rance (123)
Best win
Round five against Melbourne. A final quarter melee spurred the Tigers on as they came from 20 points down to win their fifth straight match on the eve of Anzac Day at the MCG. Jack Riewoldt was best on ground with 6.2.
One that got away
Round nine against GWS. The Tigers led by 25 points at the last break in enemy territory and looked to have sealed a memorable win before Shai Bolton's goal was overturned. The Giants took the ball to the other end and stole a last gasp win through Jeremy Cameron.
The Tigers thought they had beaten GWS in round nine, only for heartbreak to follow. Picture: AFL Photos
Best and fairest leader: Dustin Martin
Surprise packet: Toby Nankervis
Who's struggling: Anthony Miles, Taylor Hunt, Ben Lennon, Steven Morris and Jacob Townsend have all found themselves outside the Tigers' best team and in the VFL for long periods.
Missing in action
Shaun Hampson - The Tigers' No.1 ruckman in 2016, Hampson has been battling a back injury and is yet to play this season. There is no timeline for his return and Toby Nankervis has flourished in his absence.
The concern
Is a small forward line containing Jack Riewoldt as the only tall target a sustainable model going into September? With Ben Griffiths (concussion) sidelined indefinitely and Todd Elton kicking one goal in six games before a shoulder injury, the Tigers are nearly out of options and resorted to a small model in round 11. Tall forwards are invaluable in finals and the Tigers only have one.
Pass mark
A finals win remains the pass mark after losses in each of their past three finals appearances, with a top-four finish within their reach.
The coach
Damien Hardwick should be given a large amount of credit for the Tigers' new attacking game style, which has rejuvenated the players and created a harmonious atmosphere at Punt Road Oval. The coach analysed himself after 2016 and made changes, admitting he had become "too strict and rigid in his coaching", giving more responsibility to his players in 2017.
How the best 22 has changed
Kane Lambert's accountable style has been important and he has played 10 games, making him a more likely option in the second half of the season than Anthony Miles, who makes way. Jayden Short has also played 10 games and deserves a spot. Injured players Ben Griffiths and Reece Conca are locks when fit, but Sam Lloyd's three goals in four games has him out of the team.
B: Dylan Grimes, David Astbury, Reece Conca
HB: Bachar Houli, Alex Rance, Brandon Ellis
C: Kamdyn McIntosh, Dustin Martin, Shaun Grigg
HF: Josh Caddy, Ben Griffiths, Shane Edwards
F: Daniel Rioli, Jack Riewoldt, Dan Butler
Foll: Toby Nankervis, Trent Cotchin, Dion Prestia
I/C: Jason Castagna, Kane Lambert, Jayden Short, Nick Vlastuin
In from pre-season best 22: Jayden Short, Kane Lambert
Out from pre-season best 22: Sam Lloyd, Anthony Miles
• Who did we tip for your club's best 22 in round one?
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