For the first time since Damien Hardwick took over as Richmond’s senior coach, star key forward Jack Riewoldt has not scored the team’s most goals to the midway mark of a season.

Riewoldt, who has won the Michael Roach Medal as the Club’s leading goalkicker for each of the past eight seasons, has 25 goals after 11 games, which is two behind Josh Caddy on 27.

That, however, in no way detracts from Riewoldt’s continued strong contributions for the Tigers, as his coach Damien Hardwick pointed out.

“Goals are one thing you can measure – they’re an outcome of how we play. A lot of our goals are created through Jack, through his contest work,” Hardwick said.

“His ability to create contest against one and two opponents, get the ball to ground, that brings the little guys into play, you know, it doesn’t get any plaudits from the media or the crowd, really, but within our four walls he’s a marvellous player.

“He’s been a marvellous player for a long time . . .

“I look at what he achieved last year, both on and off the field – his leadership and his ability to play the game.

“This year, he’s had an even better year, from my point of view . . .

“He’s certainly a big part of the reason why we’re turning nine (wins) and two (losses) at the halfway mark.”

To further underline Riewoldt’s value to the Tigers, even when he doesn’t have the ball in his possession, he is currently ranked No. 1 among Richmond players, and No. 4 competition-wide, for the most tackles inside 50.