Although disappointed that Richmond would not be playing finals this season, following a string of narrow losses, Riewoldt is buoyant about the future at Tigerland, with the playing group’s leaders showing the way . . .
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“This leadership group that we’ve developed here, under definitely the best captain I’ve had since I’ve been at the footy club, is a very strong one and one that’s very diverse as well,” Riewoldt said.
“Look, 90% of leadership’s just playing your role on the weekend.
“I think Trent (Cotchin) has definitely done that, and it shows why he’s a star of the competition.
“Chris’s (Newman’s) off-field actions, they’re second to none at this footy club.
“The way he leads and continues to get the guys up - week in, week out - is an absolute credit to him. And, I think ‘Lids’ - Brett Deledio - is in the same boat.
“So, I reckon our core group’s really strong and our leadership group’s very strong.
“We’ve made some tough decisions . . . Dustin Martin was one of those and definitely Daniel Connors as well.
“This group’s definitely building. No doubt, we’ll probably add a few blokes into our leadership group next year that we’ve got coming through.
“It’s exciting times for the footy club . . .”
