Jack Riewoldt confident of being cleared to play St Kilda

Richmond star Jack Riewoldt is confident of playing against St Kilda on Saturday after a scare in Perth.

Jack Riewoldt (right) is congratulated by Jacob Townsend at Optus Stadium after a goal. Picture: AAP.

Richmond star Jack Riewoldt is confident of playing against St Kilda this Saturday after a scare in Perth during the Tigers loss to West Coast on Sunday night.

The dual Coleman medallist’s frustration became clear when, as the siren sounded at Optus Stadium, he punched the ball into the stands after the 47-point thrashing.

That the 29-year-old was still on the field, let alone able to finish strongly with a five-goal performance, is a remarkable effort.

After a heavy clash with Eagle Liam Duggan just prior to three-quarter time, the dual-All ­Australian began coughing up blood.

The Tigers disputed reports there was some concern he might not be able to fly home with his teammates on Sunday night.

Riewoldt arrived home with the side about 1am yesterday ahead of a cramped recovery period leading into the weekend.

The Tigers will be monitoring their senior players after a testing fortnight against the Kangaroos and West Coast. Midfielder Dion Prestia will miss a third successive match due to a calf problem.

Daniel Rioli played his first game for the year on the weekend at VFL level after injuring his foot in last year’s grand final.

It is expected he will need at least two more weeks at VFL level to build match fitness before pressing for senior selection.

Shaun Grigg recovered quicker than expected from a hamstring injury and was able to play in Perth, so he will now be able to celebrate his 200th game on Saturday at the MCG against the Saints.

The Tigers have shown few signs of a premiership hangover and sit second but there is some question on the strength of their form. Richmond’s two losses this season have come against Adelaide and West Coast away, which are also their only games against sides that made the eight last year.

Richmond defender Bachar Houli preferred to focus on the performance of the top-placed West Coast yesterday.

“They were really powerful,” he said.