Tigers on right track but Riewoldt plan needs workNathan Schmook
afl.com.au
April 8, 2014 2:26 PMJACK Riewoldt's versatile role makes Richmond's forward line harder to combat but the Tigers are yet to find the right balance with how they use him, according to opposition coaches.
Riewoldt's role has been a hot topic this season and it was thrown back in the spotlight after the dual Coleman medallist's contrasting halves against the Western Bulldogs in round three.
The Tigers kicked to Riewoldt just twice inside 50 in the first two quarters last Saturday before directing the football to him seven times in attack in the third term.
All eight of Riewoldt's inside-50 possessions were won in the second half, with the key forward also kicking his four goals after half-time.
Coach Damien Hardwick has been steadfast in his belief that Richmond needs to develop a multi-pronged forward line to take the next step, and his use of the 25-year-old hasn't changed in 2014.
Opposition clubs believe the fifth-year coach is doing the right thing by using his most damaging forward up the ground at times.
"I like what Richmond's thought pattern is in terms of needing more than one avenue to goal," one opposition backline coach said.
"Teams that have multiple goal kickers are a lot harder to plan for and prepare for … but it's about finding the balance.
"What you don't want to do is get three other people kicking one more goal, yet you're taking five goals away from Jack Riewoldt.
"I can understand them trying to get the opportunities for Vickery."
Ty Vickery is Richmond's leading goalkicker this season with 8.3, while Riewoldt is equal No.1 in the AFL for marks inside 50 (11) alongside cousin and St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt.
The club's problems appear to lie further up the ground, with a drop in its contested possession and disposal efficiency ratings compared to 2012 and 2013.
In the second quarter alone against the Bulldogs, Richmond had 19 fewer contested possessions, which Hardwick described as a "staggering amount".
The Tigers don't appear to have enough support for captain Trent Cotchin, who is ranked No.3 in the AFL for disposals (averaging 30.3), No.9 for contested possessions (13.3) and No.4 for clearances (7.3).
Cotchin said midfield and leadership support were not issues, and the club's forward structure did not need to change.
"The good thing about our forward structure now is they can all play a different role," he said on Tuesday.
"That's important – you can't be too obvious for the opposition.
"Jack had a massive second half (against the Bulldogs); granted, he'd be the first to admit he didn't play exactly how he wanted to in the first half.
"It's good to see him jumping at the footy and taking some big grabs and going back and kicking his goals, because we know that's what Jack likes to do."
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-04-08/tigers-on-track-with-jack
