Jack Riewoldt’s selfless role has been critical to Richmond’s success, says Paul Roos

PREMIERSHIP coach Paul Roos says Jack Riewoldt’s selfless role as Richmond’s sole tall forward has been instrumental in the Tigers’ rise this season.

Jack Riewoldt celebrates a goal during the preliminary final win. Picture: Phil Hillyard

JACK Riewoldt was criticised for his lack on contribution in Richmond’s drought-breaking preliminary final win but Paul Roos says the Tigers spearhead has been instrumental in the club’s rise this season.

The premiership coach says Riewoldt has become a critical role player for Richmond as Damien Hardwick bases his attack on a fleet of small forwards.

The dual Coleman Medallist kicked 52 goals this season, four more than last year, and his second lowest return since 2009.

DUSTY DILEMMA: HOW DO CROWS MANAGE MULTI-TALENTED TIGER?

DERMOTT BRERETON: WHY I BELIEVE IN THE TIGERS

OLD FRIENDS: BEST OF ENEMIES STILL BOUND BY BLUE

However, Roos believed there has been no better example of Hardwick’s changes in gameplan and philosophy than Riewoldt.

“Riewoldt has been their most significant role player. He’s had an incredibly under-rated season. I think he’s been absolutely amazing,” Roos wrote on website, Players’ Voice.

“I don’t think any other team that’s made a Grand Final has asked a player to do what Jack has done this year – and that’s be the one-out full-forward - the only big man in your forward half of the ground.

Jack Riewoldt celebrates a goal. Picture: Michael Klein

Lance Franklin won the Coleman Medal. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“It’s unbelievable what he’s been able to do, and that’s a decision he’s made to sacrifice himself for the team. ‘I’m going to get the ball to the ground every single time.’

“I don’t think he got enough credit for Saturday’s game against the Giants. He talked himself down afterwards, but I thought he was fantastic. They don’t win that game by six goals if he doesn’t get to all those contests and bring the ball to ground. He’s done it week-in, week-out.

“I had him in my All-Australian team. It’s easy to say Lance Franklin did this and that, but Buddy kicked 18 goals in two games against two of the bottom three sides in the competition, and 51 in the other 20 games in the home-and-away season.

“Jack Riewoldt has been one-out the whole year, contributed so much that doesn’t appear next to his name on the stats’ sheet, and still kicked 52 goals.”

Dustin Martin celebrates a with Josh Caddy and Jack Riewoldt. Picture: Michael Klein

Roos said the Tigers’ Grand Final run had been sparked by their role players, similar to the Western Bulldogs last year.

The Tigers rank seventh in points for but importantly third in points against.

“Trent Cotchin has become a role player, and as such he’s elevated his standing in the game. From the captain down they’ve been prepared to make a sacrifice, and look where it’s got them,” Roos said.

“Richmond’s backline doesn’t get enough credit. They’re in the top three defensive teams in the competition having kept the opposition to an average of 75 points a game.

“There were times on the weekend when the Giants got out, got through the pressure of the Richmond small forwards and when they looked up, (Alex) Rance was there, or (David) Astbury was there, or (Nick) Vlastuin, or (Bachar) Houli.

“Rance gets most of the plaudits, but there’s some really good role players, talented players in that back six.”