Veteran Richmond star key forward Jack Riewoldt’s equal game-high, three-goal performance against Brisbane in last night’s elimination final at the Gabba gave him an overall season tally of 40 goals.

It was the 11th time throughout his decorated AFL career that the triple premiership Tiger hero has kicked 40 goals or more in a season and he now has a total of 755 from the 326 games he’s played.

01:05

Elimination Final: Riewoldt slots a trio of goals

Jack Riewoldt skilfully kicks three goals in the Elimination Final against Brisbane.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick, however, valued Riewoldt’s 2022 season beyond the goals he managed to score.

“He’s played a really selfless role,” Hardwick said in his post-match press conference following the Tigers’ two-point loss to the Lions.

“Obviously, he’s been an incredible player for our footy club . . . The way he’s gone about his year, I think it’s been one of his better years by the way he’s led through giving others opportunities.

08:36

Elimination Final: Hardwick post-match

Damien Hardwick speaks to the media following the Elimination Final match against Brisbane

“He could still be a dominant force, but he’s realised he has to step back so others can step up. And that’s been the mark of him, I think, this year. 

“It’s a real credit to him . . . 

“We’re really proud of the way he went about it.”