Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has paid tribute to star forward Jack Riewoldt for the leading role he played in the Tigers’ decisive 33-point victory over Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.
Riewoldt had 16 disposals, including seven contested possessions and five inside-50s, took a team-high nine marks, had four tackles, and kicked four goals straight in a top-class display of forward play.
After scoring 10.8 in the opening four rounds of the season, Riewoldt has significantly improved his goalkicking accuracy, booting 14.2 over the past four matches.
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“I thought he was terrific,” Hardwick said.
“He’s had a pretty good year, Jack, thus far. He probably had the (goalkicking) yips earlier on, but he’s managed to get himself right.
“He’s been mature, really solid in his contested work, keeps winning the ball and, more importantly, is hitting the scoreboard when it matters most.
“He’s playing a really good role for us at the moment . . . we’re really happy with the way he’s going.”
