Why Riewoldt won’t pick ‘Snags’ in AFLX teamGilbert Gardiner
Herald Sun
19 Jan 2019Rampage captain Jack Riewoldt hasn’t settled on a draft wish list yet but one thing he knows, Richmond goal sneak Jack Higgins is free to test the AFLX free agency market.
Riewoldt has ruled out picking the livewire, having had enough of Higgins’ antics at Punt Road.
But Riewoldt conceded the pint-sized fan favourite would be suited to the hi-octane and fun AFLX format.
“AFLX is about having a lot of fun as well so Jack Higgins really fits the mould for that, a bit out there, a bit different, and loves having fun so I think he might get picked up from another team,” Riewoldt said.
Jack Higgins would be well-suited to AFLX but Jack Riewoldt won’t pick him in his team. Picture: Getty
“I have to deal with him every day in here so I don’t know if I can deal with him for another weekend but no, he can go somewhere else.
“There will be a lot of characters in our team, obviously not having coaches it’s going to be up to us so we’ll be able to play the way we want to play and enjoy ourselves.”
The new format sees eight players on a rectangular field, with games consisting of two 10-minute halves.
Riewoldt is one of four team captains, with Patrick Dangerfield to lead the Bolts, Fremantle superstar Nat Fyfe to captain the Flyers, and Adelaide gun Eddie Betts in charge of the Deadlys, an all-indigenous line-up.
The captains will draft players before a one-day AFLX event on Friday, February 22.
Riewoldt, amid the stirring of Tigers teammates including Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin, confirmed Rampage “recruiters” had their sights set on at least two 2018 All-Australians.
“It’s open (draft board) at the moment, I’ve got a few boys inside asking whether I’m going to pick them or not, it’s exciting, I’m looking forward to playing with a few different faces,” Riewoldt said.
“I’m actually excited about draft night to see what the other boys are thinking.
“Certainly for us there’s all aspects of the game, we’ll be looking at rucks, key forwards, key backs and those little whippy guys that get around the ground.
“I wouldn’t mind big Maxy Gawn, I reckon he’d go all right, he’s actually liked one of my Instagram posts so I think he might be keen on the Rampage, Lachie Whitfield from the Giants as well is a guy that’s under the recruiter’s watchful eye.”
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/jack-riewoldt-wont-pick-jack-higgins-in-aflx-because-he-has-to-deal-with-him-every-day/news-story/ac22103035eec9b0e2448d40c990d5d8
