NICK Riewoldt might not be due back at St Kilda until the new year but he's training better than ever away from the club on an extended break, teammate Leigh Montagna says.
The 33-year-old Saints captain is on holiday in the US, in his wife Catherine's home state of Texas, and won't return to Australia until after Christmas.
Despite being granted a longer break than usual after an emotional year following the tragic loss of his sister Madeleine in February, Riewoldt is keeping himself in shape after the recent International Rules tour to Ireland.
Montagna, who also represented Australia in its four-point loss in Dublin last month, said his veteran teammate was "in good nick".
"He is probably doing more running than he has done in the past three or four years," Montagna told the club's website.
"He is pretty keen to slim down a bit and look after his body.
"He is in good nick and he is enjoying his time off. He'll come back in great condition."
Billings hopeful extended break will prove beneficial
Riewoldt's lighter playing weight in 2014 eased the pressure on his degenerative left knee and allowed him to escape a post-season clean-out for the first time in years.
He again avoided the surgeon's knife this off-season and was able to represent Australia for the second successive year.
Montagna said the extended break from the demands of the AFL environment had helped Riewoldt recover from the toll taken by a trying year.
"He's getting there. I think it's been great for him to spend a few months over in Texas away from Australia and enjoying the peace and quiet of the ranch and doing a bit of hunting, being an American,” Montagna said.
"He is loving that and it’s good for him and good for his family, so hopefully when he comes back he’ll be mentally refreshed and in good nick."
Montagna last month took part in his fourth International Rules campaign, which included a trip to New York before the standalone Test in Ireland.
The 32-year-old is now easing into pre-season training and remains on light duties while taking part in the Saints' Sunshine Coast training camp this week.
The club's recent draftees – Jade Gresham, Brandon White and Bailey Rice – plus new rookies Nick O'Kearney and Nick Coughlan are involved in the camp, and have already impressed their new teammates with their skills.
"What stood out for me was they can kick on both feet; they are well-balanced and natural on both feet. I thought it was a nice little start," Montagna said.
"I'm backing 'Trout' [St Kilda recruiting manager Tony Elshaug] to have done his job well.
"He is pretty happy with his draft selections so we'll back him in and give these boys a pre-season.
"Hopefully they can play some footy for us early on."
