Jack Riewoldt set to play for Clarence in season 2024

Jack Riewoldt will return to local footy for at least one game in 2024 with an appearance for his former club locked in. Here’s what we know.

Former AFL star Jack Riewoldt will pull the boots on for his old club Clarence in the TSL in 2024. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Jack Riewoldt’s return to Tasmanian footy is officially locked in.

Clarence has confirmed the recently retired three-time Richmond premiership star will play at least one TSL home game for the Roos during the 2024 season.

The exact date of the game being branded as “Jack is Back” will be confirmed when TSL fixtures are released later this year.

Riewoldt, who hosted another community event for the incoming Tasmanian AFL club in Hobart on Friday night, said his return to the club that gave him his start was a natural but unexpected one.

“I don’t think it was ever on my agenda because I hadn’t though that far ahead,” Riewoldt said.

Riewoldt last played for Clarence in 2006, winning a premiership in his final game. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“But naturally, I’m back here working for the Tasmania Football Club. I have a place here, my house is 200m away and it’s always good to come home. This is where football started for me and my family.”

While just currently commited to play the one game, Riewoldt joked it would be a case of his body holding up if he was to play more.

“At least one,” Riewoldt said.

“My body has to hold up. I had a bit of shoulder surgrey around four weeks ago before I got on the boat to come down here, so I have to make sure the body is right to go, but I’m looking forward to at least playing one game.

“A few of the supporters here have told me its either three or nothing to qualify for finals but let’s set the bar at one (at this stage).”

Riewoldt confirmed his return date was something that would be worked through in consultation with AFL Tasmania and the club, and would also have to work in with his commitments to the Tasmania AFL club and his role at Fox Footy this season.

It’s set to be a big final year for the Tasmanian State League (TSL) with a number of former players returning before the competition is ended and a return to regional football begins in 2025.

Andrew Phillips will also return to Lauderdale this season after retiring from the AFL. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Former AFL players Mitch Robinson, Andrew Phillips, Josh Green and Cameron Owen will all suit up while local guns Thor Boscott, Daniel Joseph and Harrison Gunther have all returned.

Clarence has also confirmed it will merge its junior and senior clubs from this season.

“The Clarence Junior Football Club and the Clarence District Football Club (seniors) will form one new legal entity called the Clarence Football Club (CFC),” the club said.

The Roos are also launching the Riewoldt Roolander Academy Program — a collaboration between the current players and coaches of both the senior and junior divisions of the CFC and the past players and coaches of the Roos.

Former premiership coach and club legend Grant Fagan will lead the program.

Riewoldt is also set to host two more community events this weekend with one at Kettering Hall scheduled for Saturday and another at St Helens on Sunday.