RICHMOND forward Jack Riewoldt is busy proving the old theory that a good offence is based around a good defence.

The first player to reach 50 goals this season - he leads the race for the Coleman Medal with 53 - Riewoldt has also been one of the hardest-working forwards this year when he hasn't got the ball in his hands.

Riewoldt has 52 tackles to his name this year after 14 rounds, while last year he had 48 in 20 games.

Richmond's forward coach Danny Daly has been instrumental in Riewoldt's development and believes the young forward still has improvement left.

"I think he's taken on a lot of responsibility, being the key forward down there and still being 21 years of age," Daly told richmondfc.com.au. "It's been a massive year for him, both on and off the field - he's had to take up more of a leadership role with our young forward line.

"He is No.1 in the AFL for tackles inside-50, he's taken the most contested marks, and all his defensive stuff has been rewarded with his offensive stuff and his goals.

"But Jack's still got a long way to go, and we keep riding him from week-to-week to make sure that he keeps at that level and keeps improving himself."

Far from resenting having ideas pushed at him about how to improve, Daly said Riewoldt was always approaching the coaching group looking for ways he could.

"He's really keen for feedback, he takes everything on board, and as I said, he's really trying to grow as a leader and be the best he can," Daly said.

Senior coach Damien Hardwick said he was rapt with Riewoldt's development, but pointed out that his supply had improved dramatically.

"He is a kid who has enormous belief in his ability - he's a kid who Richmond picked up in the first round, and people are starting to see he has become a very good player for this footy club," Hardwick said.

“He has been in terrific form - the pleasing thing is our guys are starting to deliver the ball inside 50 a hell of a lot better.

"Credit to those guys up the ground kicking it to a favoured side and letting Jack use his body, which he does very well.

“He is a guy we will build around but we certainly need some other key forwards to stand up as well.”