A strong defensive mindset has played a key role in Richmond’s recent winning form, according to star forward Jack Riewoldt.
The Tigers have recovered from a shaky start to the season – a 2-4 record after six rounds – to record fighting wins in their past three games (against Collingwood, Port Adelaide and Essendon).
“I probably don’t think our offense is up and going the way we want it at the moment, but our defence as a group, and our defenders – the six backs down there – are certainly keeping us in games,” Riewoldt said in an interview with Channel Seven after Richmond’s hard-fought victory over the Bombers at the MCG last Saturday night.
“We’ve been under pressure a little bit . . . We saw last week (v Port Adelaide) we had a patch in that third quarter where we didn’t score . . . but we were able to hold strong.
“And, then tonight again, when Essendon got a bit of a run-on too, we were able to hold fast, steady the ship, and score on the offense.”
Riewoldt scored only one goal on Saturday night, but was still a valuable contributor in the Tigers’ win, taking eight marks and having six inside-50 entries (the second most by a Richmond player for the match).
He elaborated on his changing role in the Tigers’ forward line, which sees him increasingly spending more time further afield . . .
“I’ve probably just had to evolve,” he said.
“Certainly, being in the system now nine years, you get used to running further in games and your body becomes accustomed to the toils of AFL football.
“For us going forward, we need to play three key forwards.
“The two younger guys are probably suited to playing a little bit closer to home.
“It’s just something I’ve worked on over the pre-seasons.
“The coach (Damien Hardwick) has spoken to me about playing a little bit higher. I’ve even joked about going in the midfield . . .”
