RICHMOND insists key forward Jack Riewoldt wasn't left out of the club's leadership group because of anything he did wrong and he will remain a respected on-field leader in 2014.
The Tigers announced a trimmed five-man leadership group on Tuesday, with young defender Dylan Grimes also omitted and former Port Adelaide backman Troy Chaplin the new inclusion.
Football manager Dan Richardson said the changes were made because the club felt a smaller leadership group was more appropriate under captain Trent Cotchin and vice-captain Brett Deledio.
"It certainly doesn't mean that Jack's done anything wrong, and it doesn't mean we don't respect what Jack's about," Richardson told radio station SEN on Tuesday night.
"He will continue to be a leader of this football club, albeit at this point in time without an official title.
"The most important thing for us – and for Jack – is that he continues to be the absolute best footballer he can be.
"That's where he can – and has done in the past – contribute to the team."
Richardson said the Tigers felt larger leadership groups could lead to "more discussion than what's needed and more debate".
He said the club didn't want its leadership program to be seen by players as an onerous task and they would meet on average once a fortnight.
"We'll have people facilitate that leadership program, some external and some internal, but we want it to be largely player and coach-driven," Richardson said.
"We'll let them drive the number of meetings and the amount of time they need to put into it."
Reigning club champion Dan Jackson and ruckman Ivan Maric will round out the Tigers' leadership group for the new season.
