Finger surgery holding Riewoldt backKATE SALEMME
Herald Sun
4 Nov 2016RICHMOND star Jack Riewoldt’s will likely be managed through the start of pre-season after undergoing an ankle reconstruction and surgery on his right little finger over the off-season.
Riewoldt had an operation to fuse together the middle joint in his little finger to help repair an injury he sustained 10 years ago.
The star full forward revealed the old injury had plagued him during the second half of this season and hampered his ability to hold the football.
One of the best set shot goalkickers in the game, Riewoldt did not boast his usual accuracy in front of goal late in the year — booting 24.14 before Round 10 compared to 24.20 after — and now we know why.
But while the initial operation to straighten his finger was a success, Riewoldt snapped the titanium plate used to fuse the joints together and was required to under more surgery three weeks later.
Despite the setback, Riewoldt expects it to have a positive impact on his game in 2017.
“The finger is probably the thing that’s holding me back at the moment,” Riewoldt said.
“You don’t want to make excuses for stuff but it became a real bit of an issue just with being able to hold the ball towards the end of the season.
“From just grabbing things at the moment I’m really confident with where it’s at.
“I’ve sneakily held the footy a few times with it now and I’m really comfortable with where it’s at and really excited about it too.”
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/jack-riewoldt-reveals-finger-surgery-is-holding-him-back-after-also-undergoing-an-ankle-reconstruction/news-story/ed80991d0a29e661d60ef6be1768b06d
