We break down Jack Riewoldt’s standing in Tasmanian footy
Jack Riewoldt will go down as one of Tasmania’s greatest footballers when his career draws to a close this weekend. We rank him against the best from this century. HAVE YOUR SAY.
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When the final siren sounds on Jack Riewoldt’s AFL career this weekend, it will read among the game’s greats.
Three premierships, three Coleman medals, three All-Australian selections, 347 games and just shy of 800 goals.
And with every great’s retirement comes the time for debate.
In Riewoldt’s case it’s where does he sit among Tasmania’s greatest AFL players.
Some classify his cousin Nick as the greatest player from the Apple Isle, others don’t consider him to be him in the argument considering he moved to Queensland at such a young age.
We’re leaving Nick out of our argument, focusing on the group since 2000.
What about when it comes to his former teammate and fellow Tigers legend Matthew Richardson?
Jack’s emergence at the Tigers, where he became the focal point in the forward 50, gave Richo new life when he moved up the ground to the wing – almost claiming the unlikeliest of Brownlow medals.
Richardson himself earned three All-Australian selections and kicked 800 goals as a 13-time leading goal kicker at the Tigers.
The now 48-year-old was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame and it’s all but assured Riewoldt won’t be too far behind – likely to be inducted as soon as possible.
Burnie’s Alastair Lynch can’t be left out of the conversation either.
A three-time premiership player with Brisbane in the early 2000s, finishing as the club’s leading goalkicker each season.
His career totalled 306 games and 633 games – many of those coming in the 80s and 90s.
If we’re comparing Lynch and Riewoldt’s entire careers, we probably give the Tigers superstar the slight edge.
Given Riewoldt’s goalkicking prowess we probably forget he’s much smaller than his key forward counterparts of the modern game.
At 193cm, he’s developed a reputation as one of the most selfless and smartest players in the competition.
His mind has always been a step ahead of the opposition, often leaving fans stunned by his skill.
Then there’s the high flying marks that became part and parcel of Jack’s game.
Was the 2021 hanger going back with the flight against Adelaide his best? You could watch his highlights for hours.
One player who probably doesn’t get as much acknowledgement in Tassie’s greatest debate is Grant Birchall.
A four-time premiership player with Hawthorn before finishing his career with Brisbane, Birchall wasn’t the star of the show.
He was a smooth moving halfback with a left foot that made everything click for the Hawks.
On paper, Birchall’s team success outweighs that of Riewoldt.
But on a personal front are they comparable – it probably depends who you are as to who you would have in front.
Overall, Jack’s standing in Tasmanian football has him among the best.
But just where he ranks is a debate that will carry on not just in this off-season but for the next 50 years.
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Originally published as We break down Jack Riewoldt’s standing in Tasmanian footy
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