Star key forward Jack Riewoldt was bursting with pride, passion and excitement in the Richmond rooms following the Tigers’ resounding qualifying final victory over Geelong at the MCG last Friday night.
In the wake of Riewoldt’s first AFL finals win, he spoke glowingly about his role as the tall, elder statesman in Richmond’s inexperienced attack, containing young, vibrant, speedy, small forwards Daniel Rioli, Dan Butler and Jason Castagna.
“I’m absolutely loving it. It’s been an absolute breath of fresh air this year to play with some new kids and some young kids . . . it’s so exciting,” Riewoldt told ‘ABC AFL’ in the rooms post-match.
“I’ve really fed off their intensity.
“It’s made me want to improve my tackling game and become one of those pressure beasts that they are down there.
“I’ve tried to put a little bit of wisdom and a little bit of experience onto them, but I don’t know if they understand how much that they’ve actually rubbed off on me as well . . .
“My role is to try and create a contest, bring the ball to ground, and then play into those smaller players’ wheelhouses.
“But it’s also to lead them by example, lead by voice, and use the 200-odd games of experience that I’ve had and try and make them excel above the games and the years that they’ve got.”
Riewoldt was a valuable contributor for Richmond in its qualifying final success, finishing with 16 disposals, including nine contested possessions, six inside-50s, six marks, 10 score involvements, five tackles, 12 pressure acts and a goal.
