Jack Riewoldt on the verge of re-signing with Richmond, knocking back Fremantle offer
JAY CLARK AND REBECCA WILLIAMS
HERALD SUN JULY 25, 2013 10:00PM
JACK Riewoldt is certain to remain at Richmond with a new deal considered a formality.
It is understood both parties have all but agreed to terms to keep the star full-forward at Punt Rd on a multi-year deal.
A new contract for the dual-Coleman Medallist could be finalised by early next week.
Fremantle was believed to have made a huge play for Riewoldt, 24, in their bid to secure a prized key forward, after missing out on Collingwood goalkicker Travis Cloke last year.
But the passionate Tiger never harboured serious intentions of leaving Punt Rd.
The impending agreement is a major coup for Richmond as it steams towards its first finals series since 2001.
Riewoldt has kicked 47 goals this year, more than double the Tigers' next best, Jake King and Dustin Martin (18).
Riewoldt is third in this year's Coleman race and 10th on the club's goals records tally, with 309 majors from 128 games.
Coach Damien Hardwick expressed confidence the club would also keep out- of-contract midfield gun Martin, the only remaining unsigned player in its superstar quartet including Brett Deledio and captain Trent Cotchin.
The club has repeated its need to carefully manage its salary cap that has also had to fit in key position recruits Ivan Maric and Toy Chaplin in the past two years.
Hardwick said it was encouraging sign for the club that it no longer had to pay overs to keep its star players such as Martin and Riewoldt.
"They know that we want them at this football club and I have got no doubt that they want to stay,'' Hardwick said.
"It's just a part of the process of going through and getting the right dollar amount for everyone.
"We are probably at the stage now where we don't have to overpay our players. Where as previously when we were a struggling club, we had to keep the talent and pay them accordingly.
"We are at the stage where we have to manage our salary cap a lot better. We are certainly looking to keep our talent, but also bring talent in to help us win.
"It's a very fine balancing act and one that (head of football) Dan Richardson deals with on a constant basis.''
Asked if he would like the contract negotiations settled before the finals, Hardwick said:
"From our point of view it's not a distraction,'' he said.
"Our players are very good at maintaining their balance ... what we worry about is what is in these four walls.''
After last week's win over top-eight scalp Fremantle, Hardwick said the Tigers were eager to face their next challenge against reigning premier Sydney at the SCG on Sunday.
The Tigers are sitting sixth on the ladder with six rounds in the home-and-away season remaining.
"(There is) no greater challenge though than one of the best contested teams in Sydney this week,'' Hardwick said.
"They have got a formidable ruck outfit in (Shane) Mumford and (Mike) Pyke, who has been a revelation himself, and their onball contingent is outstanding.
"It is a challenge we are certainly looking forward to.''
Hardwick acknowledged the Tigers had run into the Swans at an opportune time with their key personnel out.
"Probably the thing we have got is a bit of luck with (is they have) some quality players out,'' Hardwick said.
"(Adam) Goodes out, (Ben) McGlynn is a quality player also and (Sam) Reid so we're certainly meeting them at a time where their talent is not to the level we know it could be.
"But they have certainly got a great depth on their list which is going to make it a tough job for us also.''
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