Loss of Richo unleashes Riewoldt * Courtney Walsh
* The Australian
* July 12, 2010 Matthew Richardson retired last November, Richmond fans were lamenting more than just the loss of a club great.
Yet, as Jack Riewoldt admitted yesterday, it is the absence of that champion that has been the best thing for his blossoming career, with the Tiger now four goals ahead of Barry Hall in the race for the Coleman Medal after kicking five goals in Richmond's upset of Fremantle on Saturday night.
"I'd be lying if I didn't say that Richo leaving hasn't had a big impact on my career," he said.
"Obviously, without him down there, more of the focus has gone on to me and the ball has been kicked down (to me) a lot."
The rapid improvement of the 21-year-old this year is mirrored in the improved fortunes of Richmond over the past month. Riewoldt managed 10 goals in the first five matches this season, 19 from rounds 6 to 10 and 29 in the last five matches, with the Tigers' only loss during the latter period coming against St Kilda.
But while Richmond captain Chris Newman yesterday said the Tigers would improve further this year, Riewoldt predicted he would have to overcome greater challenges to continue his goal-kicking form.
It was noticeable that Riewoldt was regularly forced to counter at least two Dockers on Saturday night, with other Fremantle defenders zoning off their opponents in an attempt to deny the Richmond star the ball.
Not that it will necessary derail the Tigers, with Riewoldt believing it will assist the club's other improving forwards.
"The goals are coming at the moment but look, obviously (Adam) McPhee dropped off in front of me a little bit and Roger Hayden as well, so I am going into games expecting that now. It is going to be good for guys like Andy Collins and young Dave Astbury to bob up," Riewoldt told The Sunday Footy Show.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/loss-of-richo-unleashes-riewoldt/story-e6frg7mf-1225890483260
