Career
Tackles: 59
Todd Viney’s season assessment
Ricky had some really good games. He played as a medium/defensive forward. In one match, he had 14 tackles, highlighting his defensive pressure. But he needs to keep working on the defensive and offensive sides of his game.
Round-by-round assessment
Comments made by 2011 Melbourne coaching staff members Mark Williams, Brad Gotch and Kelly O’Donnell
AFL: Round 1 v Sydney Swans
Ricky came on as our substitute at three quarter-time, replacing Addam Maric. He immediately had an impact. He was involved in three scoring shots during the final quarter. Mark Williams
AFL: Round 2 v Hawthorn
Ricky played multiple roles. When he was up forward, he found it difficult, due to the poor delivery into the forward line. Mark Williams
AFL: Round 3 v Brisbane Lions (emergency)/VFL: Round 2 v Port Melbourne
AFL: Round 4 v Gold Coast Suns/VFL: Round 3 v North Ballarat
Ricky had a really good game and kicked three goals. He played forward and also in the midfield/wing. He worked hard and seemed to enjoy his game, which was good. Brad Gotch
VFL: Round 4 - Bye
AFL: Round 6 v West Coast Eagles (emergency)/VFL: Round 5 v Frankston
Ricky took 10 marks for the game and had 18 possessions. He played mainly up the ground and didn’t get a lot of opportunities to kick goals. He played more wing/half-forward and knocked his knee in the first quarter. He got a little bit tired, because he had travelled as an emergency with the group to Perth. Brad Gotch
Ricky returned to the side and did a great job on Graham Johncock. He stopped Johncock’s rebound and put pressure on him constantly. He also hit the scoreboard when the opportunity arose. As a result, Ricky kicked four goals - an equal career-best career effort. Mark Williams
AFL: Round 8 v North Melbourne
Ricky kicked two goals. His work rate was good, but he didn’t have a big influence on the game. He continued to play a role for the team and I felt his form wasn’t far away from a big performance. Mark Williams
Ricky didn’t have a great game. His work-rate was down as was his movement and involvement in the game. Mark Williams
Ricky’s physicality was good. He tried hard to be an option for us, but he was ineffective on the night. Mark Williams
VFL: Round 10 v Sandringham
Ricky had 27 possessions and seven marks. He had nine tackles and five shots at goal for 2.3. He was everywhere - we played him wing, midfield and up forward - he was great. He was in our best three players. Brad Gotch
AFL: Round 12 v Collingwood (emergency)/VFL: Round 11 v Collingwood
AFL: Round 13 v Fremantle
Ricky was lively up forward. He kicked a goal and created some good opportunities for his teammates through his tackling and pressure. Rick’s focus needed to be on consistent performances. Mark Williams
Ricky’s defensive side of his game was very good. He had 13 possessions, but needed to continue to do the basics well. He got caught behind on a few occasions. Overall, his movement around the forward line was good. He provided a good target and led with purpose. Ricky also made an outstanding smother on the last line of defence, which saved a certain goal. It was a great example of life or death footy. Mark Williams
Ricky was lively. He caused some turnovers with his chasing and tackling. He didn’t have much of an opportunity to have an impact on the match. Mark Williams
Ricky was lively. He moved around the forward line, and was involved in eight of our scores. He took several strong marks and hit targets consistently by foot. Mark Williams
Ricky kept presenting throughout the game. He stayed in the game defensively and showed much cleaner hands this week. Mark Williams
AFL: Round 22 v Richmond
Ricky had a defensive job on Bachar Houli, which he did very well. It was great to see him put his head down and work hard for the team. He had limited impact on the game because of this. Mark Williams
Injured: quadriceps
Injured: quadriceps