How Maddie helped Jack growJON RALPH,
Herald Sun
March 19, 2017JACK Riewoldt says the loss of his cousin Maddie has given him a dose of perspective about his blessed life as an AFL footballer.
And while new Tigers vice-captain Riewoldt has attempted to curb his on-field antics, he says his emotions show how much he “bleeds yellow and black”.
Riewoldt and fellow vice-captain Alex Rance flanked captain Trent Cotchin on Sunday as the Tigers prepared for their clash with Carlton in just four days time.
The star full forward spoke honestly about how the tough times in his career had made him become a better leader after working on his weaknesses.
Riewoldt at one stage put a media ban on himself after missing a previous leadership group, with his on-field body language a constant topic of discussion.
But after being made a member of the three-man group he said those hard times, including Maddie’s death in 2015, had made him a more mature person.
“It’s an extreme honour, something I am really proud of. Obviously you don’t want to take a backwards step but in my case I had to do that to take three or four steps forward and I think I have taken those steps now,’’ he said.
“I had some things in my life, some of them more unfortunate than others and some growth periods where it was no other road than to grow up and move on and deal with things that get thrown in your face.
“I have matured through that process and I wish I could go back and change a lot of them. But it’s just part and parcel of growing up in the spotlight of the media.”
“I think the emotional side of the game is pure leadership. Mine is a bit more outwards but its safe to say the three guys sitting in front of you bleed yellow and black for the Richmond football club.”
Jack and Maddie were especially close before she passed away of aplastic anaemia at 26, with the Tigers star a key part of fundraising to find a cure.
“With the passing of Maddie it was a reflection of how privileged I am to be in this position and it really puts life into perspective and how privileged we are to lead the lives we are.
“So it’s certainly been a big reflection for myself.”
Riewoldt says he has fully recovered after a scare in the final JLT clash involving his surgically repaired ankle.
Similarly Alex Rance says he is ready for Round 1 and feeling no signs of the hamstring tendinitis that slowed him during the pre-season.
With Sam Lloyd over a corked leg, Ben Griffiths recovered from a kick to the calf and Mabior Chol and Ben Lennon in strong form, there are a number of forwards options.
The Tigers announced yesterday small forward Dan Butler would make his debut against Carlton after three strong JLT performances.
Richmond’s injury-list is almost non-existent as popular clubman Steve Morris nears a return from an ACL rupture in Round 11 last year.
Cotchin says he is adamant Dustin Martin, at one stage in consideration for the leadership group, will remain at Richmond.
“He has been alongside Rancey as the two most consistent performers and on-field leadership is critical to success.
“Dusty’s growth as a person and player is nothing short of outstanding. You guys want to talk about his contract but the reality is it will happen when it happens.
“We are really confident he will be a Richmond footballer for a long period of time.”
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/jack-riewoldt-says-loss-of-cousin-maddie-gave-him-perspective-on-life-as-an-afl-footballer/news-story/a6583e20660f61fa9faf421214d6a7cf
