Should Nick Riewoldt retire? Former St Kilda coach Grant Thomas says yes, or go back
FORMER St Kilda coach Grant Thomas says it’s time to ‘build for the next onslaught’ and has a creative idea for Nick Riewoldt’s future.
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FORMER St Kilda coach Grant Thomas says St Kilda should play Nick Riewoldt at centre half back next year or force him to retire.
The long-time coach and great friend of Riewoldt maintains he is stifling the development of the club’s next premiership forward line.
He says he has made his feelings known to Riewoldt, adamant the club should “build for the next onslaught”.
Thomas, who coached St Kilda in 123 games including six finals, says he cannot find any reason why Leigh Montagna would play on.
The Saints are open to discussions with both players if they finish the season strongly, with Riewoldt to return next week after knee bone bruising.
But Thomas says the club must play Patrick McCartin every week alongside a mixture of Tim Membrey and Josh Bruce, with 193cm forward Josh Battle recruited last year.
“I don’t have any doubt Nick could eke out another year comfortably but what is the point?’’ Thomas said.
“It might be good for him to get another year but in the cool hard light of day the AFL is a premiership-winning business.
“Every decision you make should be about enhancing your premiership chances.
“Nick of the two is the more likely to play because of his adaptability at different positions. He could play as a tall back and he started his career at centre half back.
“Nick and I talk a bit and he says he can go on and I say, “really?”.
Montagna continues to rack up excellent numbers, averaging 26 disposals as a small running back but lacking the impact of previous years.
But Thomas says at best St Kilda will sneak into the bottom rungs of the ladder and should consider generational change.
“In my mind Joey is definitely holding up the development of other guys who need midfield and onball time. This year would probably be the appropriate time for that to happen.
“Nick has far more compelling reasons to play on than Leigh. Looking at St Kilda, to take the next step they have to make bold decisions that are sometimes not very popular decisions.
“My son could get 25 touches a game the way the game is played, the only difficult position is the last line of the forward line.
“They have Hawthorn’s number one choice and will get some pretty decent players in next year so (Joey’s retirement) seems logical to me.”
Riewoldt was adamant earlier in the season he still wanted to play next year, saying talks about a deal would happen.
“Absolutely. I still love the game, the football club. Clearly being part of a group heading in an upwards trajectory is really exciting and invigorating for a senior player as well. I think I still have a role to play at the club,” Riewoldt said.
“As I said, I have said a number of times, my body needs managing, but we have become really good at doing that.
“I guess the bye is generally when some of the conversations start to happen (on a contract extension). They generally evolve towards the end of the season. We will see what happens.”
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