Jack Riewoldt hopeful "finer details" of new contract will be sorted soon
JACK Riewoldt has reiterated his desire to stay at Richmond and says he understands the need for individual financial sacrifices to achieve team success.
Speaking on Wednesday, the high-profile Richmond forward said he was hopeful the "finer details" of his contract would be finalised soon.
Riewoldt and teammate Dustin Martin are coming out of contract at the season's end.
Money has been reported as the sticking point in negotiations with the duo.
But Riewoldt agreed with captain Trent Cotchin on Wednesday when he conceded personal sacrifices were required to keep the talented group together.
"It's really well understood. I think every football club would like to pay their players as much as possible to keep them there but it's about making those sacrifices," Riewoldt said.
"Obviously over the last two to three years, players' prices have been put up because of the new expansion sides and the salary cap relief they do have.
"It's about making those sacrifices as a player and a football club but coming to amicable terms the player and club both think are fair."
Riewoldt said there was no doubt he wanted to remain at Punt Road where he has played 126 games and won the 2010 and 2012 Coleman medals, but it was a question of sorting the "finer details" of his new agreement.
"[The contract] … that's the million dollar question … well, I wish it was a million dollar question, that would be nice, wouldn't it?" he said.
"It's just a matter of getting the finer details.
"I've said I really want to be at Richmond next year, and I know the club really wants me there, so it's about sorting those things out.
"There are plenty of contracts going around at the moment at the club so we're sorting that out and, as I've stated, hopefully we've got some good news for the football club, myself and the fans in the not too distance future."
Riewoldt said this Saturday evening's clash with Gold Coast in Cairns held no fears despite the Tigers losing to the Suns at Cazalys Stadium the last two times they've played there.
He said the group was "ready to attack and take the challenge", and a "hoodoo" wasn't a concern after they broke a nine-game losing streak against Carlton in round one.
He also admitted last week's 62-point loss to North Melbourne was a "little bit of a wake-up call" but the Tigers couldn't ignore the positive inroads they'd made the four weeks previous.
"Unfortunately, it was one of those weeks where most our 22 that played didn't play their role," he said.
"We understand that and we know what we can fix.
"Not taking anything away from North Melbourne; they played some really good football and some that we really struggled to combat.
"Hopefully, next time we come up against a situation like that we can put some things in place to stop the flow.
"Last week was a little bit of a hiccup but we know we're still treading a pretty good path and we're taking some steps forward – last week was a little bit of a step back but we learn from it, we move on and we set our sights on the Gold Coast."
Jennifer Phelan is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow her on Twitter @AFL_JenPhelan.
Gemma Bastiani delves into stars of the 2024 Telstra AFLW Draft
10:57
The most spectacular marks of 2024
Relive the best marks of the 2024 Toyota AFL Premiership season
01:21
Why McDonald could become AFLW's best key forward
Gemma Bastiani delves into stars of the 2024 Telstra AFLW Draft
00:15
Opening Round QLD | March 6-9
Be part of AFL Opening Round to kick-off the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season in QLD. March 6-9. Brisbane Lions host Geelong at the GABBA and Gold Coast SUNS take on Essendon at People First Stadium.