Why Nick Riewoldt took on MasterChef

Nick Riewoldt is the first to admit he was “hard to be around” while playing footy, but he hopes his time on MasterChef showed a different side.

Nick Riewoldt has shed his serious footy persona with the ultimate TV reality triumph on Celebrity MasterChef.

The St Kilda great raised the heat and brought his A-game to the kitchen in an experience he described as an emotional rollercoaster.

“It was a completely different opportunity in terms of people being able to see you in a different light and a different context,’’ Riewoldt said.

“I know I was pretty hard to be around for 17 years while I was playing footy. Everyone had the view that I was super serious, super competitive and that was absolutely true. That was one of the motivators for going on the show, to put yourself out there and have fun and show that side of myself.”

Riewoldt was “super serious” in his playing days. Picture: Michael Klein

A proud Riewoldt walked away with $100,000 for his charity, Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision, and lifted the silverware ahead of fellow finalists, Brit TV star Tilly Ramsay and designer Collette Dinnigan.

After a decorated 336 game career without a premiership, the Fox Footy commentator is already bracing for the memes.

“In terms of the stakes, it’s entertainment, it’s fun and none of us had aspirations to be chefs,’’ Riewoldt, 39, said.

“It’s right up there with one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I draw the parallel with Maddie’s Vision and the achievement part of it. I’m proud that I did that.

Nick Riewoldt said MasterChef was up there as one of his best experiences, alongside his fundraising work for Maddie’s Vision. Picture: Wayne Taylor

“I can already see some of the memes being developed that I couldn’t lift the premiership cup but I can lift the MasterChef silverware. I’m not sure if that’s some consolation … you can’t compare it but people will try.”

Riewoldt is currently with his wife Catherine and their three sons in her hometown of Texas.

He said it was a nervous final challenge, having to recreate a Metropolis dessert described as a 20/10 for difficulty by guest chef Martin Benn.

He came through in the end, scoring 38/40, following Dinnigan with 30/40 and Ramsay with 34/40.

“I probably had to suppress a little bit of the competitiveness at times but I think the group and environment brought out the best of us,’’ Riewoldt said.

Nick Riewoldt will battle it out for the title of Celebrity MasterChef on Sunday night. Picture: Ten

“The whole six week long experience was an emotional rollercoaster but overwhelmingly super enjoyable.

“We all felt equally uncomfortable putting ourselves out there to be judged but we bonded over that too.

“Everyone brought their own little quirk to our group which made it a well rounded group.

“I’m forever hugging people and putting my arms around people and probably a personal space invader on the show. It looked fun and it was fun.”