Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has outlined why his star spearhead Jack Riewoldt is now a more valuable member of the Tigers’ team.

Riewoldt, a dual Coleman Medallist, currently sits in fifth place on the competition’s goalkicking list, with 54 goals, six behind leader, West Coast’s Josh Kennedy.

It’s not Riewoldt’s goalscoring capacity, however, that is most pleasing Hardwick.

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“Everyone loves goals – I’m no different.  But I also love a player that makes those around him better, and I think Jack has improved enormously in that area,” Hardwick told Kevin Bartlett on SEN’s “Hungry For Sport”.

“Last week (against Brisbane), he kicked 1.4, but he had four direct goal assists as well.  So, realistically, it could have been an eight-goal game . . .
“We are really pleased with him.

“His leadership has improved around the Club, players enjoy playing with him a lot more because his teamwork, and those sort of areas of his game, have improved.”

And, Hardwick is confident Riewoldt will continue to make key strides forward in what is now a seven-year AFL career, that’s so far netted him 316 goals in 131 games.

“Jack’s just going to become a better player,” Hardwick said.

“He’s only 24 years of age, which is quite scary.  He’s not even at his peak yet.”