Nick Riewoldt’s phenomenal performance against Brisbane on Sunday didn’t surprise Alan Richardson, with the St Kilda coach suggesting the effort was a testament to the captain’s dedication to his craft.
In one of the best individual performances by any player this season, if not the best, Riewoldt booted an equal personal best nine goals, from a career-high 21 marks – 12 from inside forward 50 – 26 disposals and 15 score involvements.
“He’s an absolute pro; he’s a great example to his teammates the way he prepares, the way that he challenges, the way that he inspires. If you work hard you get rewarded in our game and he certainly got that tonight,” Richardson told reports after St Kilda’s 58-point win over Brisbane.
“He had a fair game. I’m not surprised because of the work he puts in. he’s probably not able to train as often as other players because of his age and he’s had a cranky knee, although he’s managing that really well now.”
With St Kilda focused on developing for the future in 2016, Riewoldt has played predominantly on a wing this season, where the absence from his natural habitat inside 50 has allowed Josh Bruce, Paddy McCartin and Tim Membrey space to develop.
“We’ve been playing him in a different position all year, but he’s still our best forward. But because of the need and the direction our club’s going with McCartin and Bruce and Membrey, ‘Rooey’s’ needed to jump out and play midfield and he’s embraced that. He’s been so selfless in that space,” Richardson said.
Despite playing further up the ground, the six-time Trevor Barker Award winner finished with 41 goals for the season, three goals behind Tim Membrey (44.18) and three ahead of last year’s leading goal kicker Josh Bruce (38.22).
Richardson said that regardless of whether Riewoldt remains as skipper in 2017 or not, he will continue to play a substantial leadership role at Linen House Centre.
“Whether he’s captain or not captain, Nick will always be a really significant leader of our footy club,” Richardson said.
“Nick’s want for the last few years – not unlike what he’s done for us in front of the ball – is if it’s good for the footy club for him to play wing then he’s embraced that. It’s exactly the same with leadership.
“If it’s good for the club for someone else to come through, whilst we’ve still got Nick there for support then he's been pretty strong for a couple of years now.
“There’s a process that will take a while for us to get to that point and if it is then we think it’s fitting to make a change then we will.”
The 33-year-old will enter Thursday night’s best and fairest count as one of the leading contenders, following another brilliant season by the veteran.
