Star Richmond forward Jack Riewoldt has spoken in glowing terms of the importance of talented playmaker Shane Edwards to the Tigers’ team.

Edwards was one of Richmond’s best players in last Saturday night’s 27-point victory over Essendon at the MCG.

The 26-year-old, in his second game back from a hairline fracture of the leg, which he sustained during the Round 15 match against Carlton, had 21 disposals, including a team-high 14 contested possessions, seven score involvement, along with a team-high nine tackles.

WATCH: coach Damien Hardwick dissects last week’s win over Essendon

“We were both drafted in the same year (end of 2006). He had a really light frame, but he’s been able to put some weight on,” Riewoldt said on Channel Nine.

“Shane’s actually got a really hardened body, and we feel really comfortable with him around stoppages. 

“He’s nearly our best stoppage player, and he’s just got that ability to always help other blokes hit the scoreboard. 

“He’s an elite handballer and a really tackler, and you know when he’s around the ball he’s going to impact. 

“To be honest, I think up until he broke his leg about six weeks ago, he was probably All-Australian half-forward . . .

“Inside our four walls he is rated very, very highly.”