Jack rebuffs Dons to commit to TigersMARK ROBINSON
Herald Sun
11 October 2016 8:30pmSTAR forward Jack Riewoldt has rejected overtures from Essendon coach John Worsfold and pledged his loyalty to Richmond.
The Bombers believed Riewoldt, 27, was gettable, but after a series of meetings between Riewoldt and Tigers officials in the past week, including one with coach Damien Hardwick, Riewoldt has come to accept he was not put up for trade.
His name had been linked to several clubs this trade period, but on Monday Tigers list manager Dan Richardson denied Riewoldt was on the table.
“Not to our knowledge, no, so I’m not sure where that’s come from,” Richardson said.
“Jack’s got three more years to go on his contract and he’s a very important player for us.”
Contracted Tigers forward Jack Riewoldt will be at the club next year, despites rumours he may be traded. Picture: Colleen Petch
A meeting between Hardwick and Riewoldt in the past 36 hours is understood to have further confirmed to Riewoldt he was not only required, but wanted by the Tigers, ending a challenging period for the star forward.
With the Tigers ruthlessly assessing their list, Riewoldt was understood to be assessing his future.
He spoke to long-time friend Brendon Goddard at the weekend about various aspects of Goddard’s move from St Kilda to Essendon at the end of the 2012 season.
Bombers coach Worsfold contacted Riewoldt after the forward’s discussion with Goddard.
There was no discussion about money or potential trade options, but about where Riewoldt believed his future was heading.
Riewoldt told Worsfold he wanted to remain a Tiger.
The meeting with Hardwick saw the coach give the two-time Coleman medallist an unqualified commitment to keeping him at Punt Rd.
It’s understood Riewoldt had been disconcerted by the possible trade of good mate Brett Deledio to Geelong, but that won’t affect his decision to stay.
Riewoldt kicked 48 goals in 2016 — his smallest return since 2009 — as the Tigers failed to make the finals after three consecutive campaigns.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/jack-riewoldt-rejects-essendon-interest-to-commit-to-richmond/news-story/8212946ad19b6346698bd0b32e98130f
