Richmond goalkicking great, Matthew Richardson, has offered some generic advice to star Tiger spearhead, Jack Riewoldt, following recent criticism of the 2010 Coleman Medallist’s form.

Riewoldt, who still sits equal second on this year’s Coleman Medal table, was held goalless for just the fourth time in the past three seasons, in last Saturday night’s clash with Carlton at the MCG.

Richardson, speaking on this week’s episode of the Club’s official podcast, “Talking Tigers”, believes a key forward of Riewoldt’s calibre should predominantly hold sway in contests with his direct opponent.

“As a key forward, you play better when, basically, you’re almost forgetting about your opponent and you’re on the move constantly,” Richardson said.
“That means you’re never standing still . . . you’re always on the move. 

“Even when the ball’s down the other end, if you’re just jogging around, ‘figure eights’, just keeping on moving, it keeps your opponent on the move and he never feels comfortable.

“When you’re standing still and you’re looking to touch and feel your backman too much, I don’t think you play your best footy.

“As a forward, you need to keep on the move, you need to lead hard at the footy, you want a release off your man and jump at the football and extend your arms . . . If you do that, you will probably get free kicks as well.

“So, I would say that to any key forward.

“If you’re on the move, too, and clean balls aren’t coming in, it’s amazing how when the pressure is high, and sloppy kicks are coming into your forward line, if you’re on the move and in front, you get some of those chest marks anyway.

“Jack reads the ball off the boot better than anyone.  He’s one of the great ground-level forwards.”