Mick Malthouse fears the cliff is close for Richmond forward Jack Riewoldt Glenn Valencich
7News
5 August 2020 3:30 pmRichmond coach Damien Hardwick reckoned “it was a matter of time” before Jack Riewoldt kicked his first bag of the restart, four goals on Tuesday night contributing to a 41-point AFL win over Brisbane.
Mick Malthouse, however, believes the key forward remains “inches off the edge of the cliff” after impressing in a game that simply played into his hands.
Riewoldt had 10 touches and took four marks - all of them inside 50 - as he combined with Tom Lynch, who kicked three goals, to overpower the Lions.
“They’ve been training incredibly well and we only knew it was a matter of time,” Hardwick said of the duo.
“Harris Andrews is probably the best defender in the land and I thought our guys had a really good duel with him and they probably came out on top.
“Our boys rose to the challenge. They’ve been putting in a hell of a lot of hard work and finally got the outcome we’re looking for.”
Much has been made of both players’ form as numerous key forwards struggle in the shorter games, with the 31-year-old Riewoldt particularly under the pump.
The triple Coleman medallist had kicked one goal in each of the six games prior to facing the Lions without bursting out for more.
Despite leading all players with his four majors against Brisbane, Riewoldt was unable to convince Malthouse that brighter days are ahead.
“I reckon I know players and I see Jack as inches off the edge of the cliff,” the triple premiership coach said on ABC radio.
“Because one of the things he had was a bit of toe over the first five (metres). He had jumping power.
“No doubt (about his performance) tonight, he’s kicked four goals. I see Jack at the moment - he’s frightfully slow. He’s not going to get quicker.
“His body has been punished for... you know, he’s been a key position player for 12 or 13 years and that takes its toll. Not many players can lose pace and still be as effective.”
Malthouse believes Riewoldt’s diminishing returns can be pinned on his physical capabilities failing to meet the levels required by certain match-ups.
“Now the other thing about Jack Riewoldt, he’s not 6-foot-6. You know, he’s that medium-to-tall player,” Malthouse said.
“I think it’s been fantastic that he’s kicked four goals but I don’t think he’s going to get the same opportunity against other sides. Lynch will still kick big goals and I think their mediums will kick goals.
“I think Jack’s a spiritual leader down there. I think he’s, you know, he’s just a great bloke, Jack. I hope I’m wrong, but I think the cliff is getting very, very close.
“If they meet a bigger-bodied side that’s gonna push the ball out and about and you have to fight for your football 15 metres away, Jack won’t get to it. If it gets put on top of his head, it may (work out for Riewoldt).”
Riewoldt will turn 32 in October, while 2021 will be his 15th AFL season.
https://7news.com.au/sport/afl/mick-malthouse-fears-the-cliff-is-close-for-richmond-forward-jack-riewoldt--c-1218356
