IF RICHMOND'S team photo is any indication, Jack Riewoldt will return to the Tigers' leadership group as vice-captain.
In the photo taken at the club's Punt Road headquarters on Friday, Riewoldt sits directly next to coach Damien Hardwick, while skipper Trent Cotchin assumes his usual position on the other side of the coach.
Also in prominent spots are 2016 leaders Alex Rance and Shane Edwards.
Riewoldt's ascension would end his three-year absence from the peer-voted leadership group.
It would also stop the constant speculation over the passionate spearhead's status in the playing group, with some experts having previously called for the Tigers to install him as captain in their quest to return to the finals.
Before the photo shoot, Tigers forward Sam Lloyd told reporters the team was yet to discuss the on-field leadership group for 2017.
But whether Jack's back or not, Lloyd doesn't think it will make much difference.
"In my opinion I don't really mind if Jack's in the leadership group or not," Lloyd said.
"The title of 'leadership group' for him is not going to stop him talking or stop him leading.
"It's probably just a title next to his name because he's a fantastic leader already.
"Whether he's in the leadership group or not ... I don't know if it will faze him but I don't think it will faze many players because he's going to lead regardless."
Riewoldt recently told SEN radio that he'd always tried to show leadership, regardless of whether he had an official title or not.
"I know I have got a big presence at the footy club. I am one of the oldest players and I need to set standards and I feel like I can set them high," he said.
"If I hold myself accountable to those standards it drives the young players."
As for the other debate involving Riewoldt - to play the damaging forward deep in attack or to allow him to roam further afield - Thursday's intra-club match offered another clue.
Riewoldt didn't venture far from attacking 50 and impressed track watchers.
"We have a debate going on between ourselves about who plays deep ... I try to get him out," Lloyd, who kicked 35 goals last season, joked.
"But I think Jack plays better when he's up the ground at times and then can play deep as well.
"He had a really strong hitout (on Thursday) and looked dangerous up forward and kicked (a few) goals.
"If he can do that every game I don't really care where he plays."
The 28-year-old – a dual Coleman medallist and a dual All Australian – has kicked 483 goals in 202 games and led the Tigers' goalkicking in each of the past seven seasons.
Riewoldt won the club best and fairest in 2010.
