Speaking on the first day of St Kilda’s pre-season training at Dendy Park, Brighton, Riewoldt was enthusiastic about the possibility of having Cousins as a teammate.
“It would excite anyone if he could get back to the heights that he was,” Riewoldt said.
“He is a Brownlow medallist and a premiership player. We all hope he could get back to that so naturally you’d want to play with him than against him.”
The AFL Commission meets on Tuesday, with Cousins’ possible return expected to be one of the main topics of discussion.
Riewoldt said the club would have to wait for the commission’s findings before making any plans to bring Cousins to Moorabbin.
“I think until the AFL make their ruling tomorrow it is really pie in the sky. The club’s gone through a very thorough process and due diligence to investigate the situation,” he said.
“I think all AFL players out there would wish him well and hope that his health is at a stage where the AFL does clear him.
“People in all walks of life would like to see him recapture his form and his health which is most important.”
Riewoldt said the Saints’ leadership group would have some input but the final decision would be made by the club’s board.
“We’d definitely be consulted but that’s what you have a board for. That’s what you have coaches and club executives for, to make those decisions,” he said.
“The leadership group might be consulted and asked their thoughts but that’ll be a club hierarchy decision.”
Delisted Melbourne defender Nathan Carroll was a new face at the Saints’ session on Monday morning as was former Magpie Sam Iles. Cousins must wait for the AFL Commission decision before he can start training with any club.
