JACK Riewoldt says his playing days as "a bear in the square" are all but finished, with the Richmond star eager to see where his evolution as a footballer takes him.
Riewoldt has embraced a move up the ground this season, averaging career-high disposals (13.7) and inside 50s (3.4).
With his sparkling form helping the Tigers push for a top-four berth, the 26-year-old can't envisage a return to being a stay-at-home forward.
"I think, unfortunately, if there aren't any rule changes around it we won't see too many 'bear in the square' types any more," Riewoldt told AFL.com.au.
"And for me, I'm not really that type of player now that can play in the goalsquare.
"You've got to be the sort of Tom Hawkins mould of player that's big and strong, and for me moving up the ground has really evolved my game.
"To be honest, I think it's made me more of a complete player in terms of where I can play for the football club."
With 39 majors this season, Riewoldt remains the Tigers' leading goalkicker – a monopoly he's held since his 2010 Coleman Medal season.
But by roaming further from goal he's also allowed Ty Vickery and Ben Griffiths to flourish - much as Matthew Richardson did in Riewoldt's early days at Punt Road.
In 2008, Richardson's stunning form on a wing saw him fall just two votes shy of claiming a share of the Brownlow Medal, while 19-year-old Riewoldt booted 18 majors to kick-start his career.
This year, Vickery and Griffiths have both booted 12 goals, with Riewoldt getting on his bike - after increasing his volume of 100m and 200m sprints last pre-season - to help the Tigers transition the ball from defence to attack.
"It's probably not too much difference in the distance (I'm covering from previous years), it's just the speed I'm travelling at the moment," Riewoldt said.
"It's been something I've focused on over pre-season and it's certainly paying off now.
"I've really enjoyed the role that I've been given and I think it's certainly helping us have more dimensions toward goal."
Speaking on Thursday, Richmond coach Damien Hardwick praised Riewoldt's ability to adapt to his new role, which sees him winning equal amounts of his possessions inside 50 and in midfield, according to Champion Data.
"Probably the good thing about his ability to play further up the ground is he can set up goals as well," Hardwick said. "That's obviously important for us continuing in the direction we want to go."
Richmond will have to rejig its forward structure this weekend, however, with Vickery (suspension) and Griffiths (shoulder) unavailable to face St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.
"Dave Astbury is probably the guy who is putting his hand up to play up forward," Riewoldt said.
"He's been really strong down there and more of a seasoned body and ready to come in and impact at AFL level.
"We're really excited to maybe try a couple of new guys down there and try and find a couple of different avenues towards goal to help us for the future."
