As AFL clubs enjoy their mid-season bye and list managers turn their attention more towards 2018, we take a daily look at one club and how it has performed so far – and what to expect from here.

RICHMOND

Pre-season expectations: After their wretched 2016 campaign which ended in dramatic change within the club's football department, few pundits were bullish about the Tigers' prospects in 2017. The consensus was that up and coming sides like Melbourne and St Kilda had overtaken them, and that coach Damien Hardwick faced an uphill battle to keep his job, even despite being under contract until the end of 2018.

The pre-season form of big man Toby Nankervis - traded from Sydney at the end of last year - had however been encouraging, while there were hopes that Josh Caddy and Dion Prestia would significantly bolster what was perceived as a shallow midfield.

Record: 7-4

What's gone right: Plenty. The Tigers have been competitive in all but one game - a heavy away defeat to Adelaide in round six - and look likely finalists.

Had they held in a few more tight ones they'd probably be bound for a top-four finish, but more on that later! Having been criticised for his side's stilted, laborious style of football in recent seasons, Hardwick has changed things around significantly this year.

Richmond's ball movement has been more direct, while the Tigers have earned plaudits for their pressure forward of centre, with small forward Daniel Rioli, Dan Butler and Jason Castagna making an impact. Already one of the game's best players Dustin Martin has if anything enhanced his reputation despite cheekbone and groin injuries, with another brilliant year in the midfield.

Skipper Trent Cotchin is again an on-ball force too, while Nankervis has provided plenty. Veterans Bachar Houli and Shaun Grigg fly under the radar but have been consistent, and in defence Alex Rance has again been stellar, very ably complemented by David Astbury and Dylan Grimes, both of whom finally look to be fulfilling their potential after bad runs with injury.

What's gone wrong: That the Tigers are 7-4 and not 10-1 owes to lapses three weeks in a row from round seven to nine.

In round seven they let a big lead slip to reigning premiers the Western Bulldogs, ultimately losing by less than a goal. Much worse was to come. The following week they clawed their way against Fremantle at the MCG before their structures failed in the dying seconds, allowing Docker David Mundy to steal the game after the siren.

Then six days later against Greater Western Sydney another healthy lead was coughed up in dramatic circumstances, with Jeremy Cameron kicking a late winner after Tigers debutant Shai Bolton had a goal overturned from a technological review. Richmond have fared better with injuries than last year, but the head issues of forward Ben Griffiths have left the Tigers badly lacking a second tall to partner Jack Riewoldt.

A promising start to the year for the resurgent Reece Conca was also cruelled by a foot injury, while youngster Nathan Drummond appears to face an uncertain future after going down with another serious knee injury. Caddy and Prestia have both been serviceable but neither has elevated their game to the next level, meaning their is still room for improvement.

Stand-out star: Rance has justifiably been described as a once in a generation defender, but Martin has to be viewed as Richmond's best player this year. Much like Giant Josh Kelly he has flourished despite widespread speculation about his playing future, averaging close to 30 disposals and 1.5 goals per game. The Tigers remain confident they will keep the dynamic superstar, but until he puts pen to paper questions will continue to swirl.

Players under the pump: With Caddy and Prestia performing solidly, midfielder Anthony Miles has been squeezed out of the side. He is out of contract at season's end, as are Taylor Hunt, Steven Morris, Jake Batchelor and Todd Elton, none of whom have been able to hold down a place in the 22 this year.

They all look to be on borrowed time unless things turn around. Forward Ben Lennon's current deal also runs out at the end of the season, with the one-time early draft pick unable to secure a regular senior spot.

The run home: The Tigers can all but secure a return to the finals in the fortnight after the bye, with MCG games against lowly Sydney and Carlton giving them a good chance to go 9-4.

There aren't many gimmes in the AFL this year though, and one or two surprise defeats could leave the Tigers vulnerable with away games against top-eight sides Port Adelaide, Geelong and Fremantle still to come, as well as an MCG date against the Giants in round 18, two matches against up-and-down St Kilda, and a potentially tricky trip to tackle Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium.

Grading: A-