Former Richmond champion key forward Matthew Richardson has paid a glowing tribute to Jack Riewoldt in the lead-up to the current-day Tiger star key forward’s 200^th game of league football.

Riewoldt, who will reach the double-century milestone in Sunday’s Round 21 clash with Geelong at the MCG, succeeded Richardson as the linchpin in the Tigers’ attack.

“Jack is a pure footballer . . . a natural footballer,” Richardson said on this week’s episode of Richmond’s official podcast ‘Talking Tigers’.

“He’s a very smart player, who reads the game very well, and he doesn’t waste the ball when he gets it. 

“He sees the game unfolding quicker than what other players do . . .

“As a marking forward, he identifies where the ball’s going to drop in the air quicker than most players . . .

“When he goes for a mark, he knows how to protect the space where the ball’s going to land.

“He’s a very good shot for goal, too.   

“And his work-rate has improved remarkably over the years, from when he first started . . .

“I think he plays his best when he gets on the move. 

“He’s got a low centre of gravity, which is why he plays so well at ground level.”