The raw statistical numbers mightn’t have indicated it, but veteran star key forward Jack Riewoldt played a valuable role in Richmond’s rousing preliminary final victory over Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.

Riewoldt had six disposals, kicked one goal, and didn’t take a mark for the first time in a match since 2015.

But Tigers coach Damien Hardwick was rapt with the performance of the team’s vice-captain.

“I thought he was terrific,” Hardwick said.

“What people have to realise is when the opposition mark the ball from off our boot, the probability of scoring basically doubles that play. So just to bring the ball to ground is really, really important.

“Jack was one v two, one v three tonight a lot of times, as was Tom (Lynch).

“He just plays his role and gets the job done.

“We’ve seen this probably last year, where he was playing a reasonable brand of footy, but then he dominated in the biggest game on the biggest stage.

“So, you can write him off at your own peril, really.”