Speaking on 3AW’s ‘Sports Today’ program last night, Riewoldt told hosts Gerard Healy and Dwayne Russell that last Sunday’s emphatic 43-point win against top-eight side Sydney had provided Richmond with a timely boost following six successive losses.
“We’re just happy for the victory. It was really important for our fans to see our young guys coming up and playing some good footy . . . it gives them that bit of relief, and they can see light at the end of the tunnel,” Riewoldt said.
“We’re not focused on what people outside of the Club are thinking of us going forward . . . Damien (Hardwick) has got a really clear, concise plan of where we want to go and every player on the list believes in where we’re going.
“We’re not setting any benchmarks on where we want to go, we just want to keep improving . . .”
Riewoldt kicked only two goals in Richmond’s upset win on Sunday, to take his season’s tally to 56 - six behind Hawthorn’s Lance Franklin in the race for the Coleman Medal - but he had a game-high 10 scoring involvements, and looks like he’s not far off returning to peak form.
“Our delivery inside 50 was really good. I can’t stress enough how good it is to have guys like ‘Cotchy’ through the midfield and Bachar Houli, coming off the half-back flank, get the ball and kick it to you . . . they’re great users . . , he said.
“ I know I’ve had some down weeks through this year, and the Coleman’s always talked about, but it’s not something I’m really fussed about any more.
“ I’m just happy that the Club’s got a bright future and I’m looking forward to playing this weekend and finishing off the season, hopefully, on a good note.
“In terms of where I want to go as a player for this club, and where I know that I can go as a leader, I know that I’ve still got plenty to give.
“I’ve still got plenty to work on in my game, I’ve got plenty to work on in the mental side and the leadership side.
“ I’m really excited and looking forward to doing that over the pre-season and then, hopefully, coming back a better person and a better player next year.”
blog comments powered by Disqus
