Michael Roach, who was the leading goalkicker in the then VFL competition for the 1980-81 seasons, and a superstar spearhead with the Tigers for a decade, believes the retirement late last year of Matthew Richardson paved the way for Riewoldt’s breakout season in 2010.
“He has had a fantastic year,” Roach said.
“With ‘Richo’ going, Jack’s been the No. 1 target up forward and he’s really relished that responsibility. They’ve kicked the ball a lot more in Jack’s direction than they would have if the big ‘fella’ had have been there, and he’s certainly capitalised on that.”
Riewoldt booted 78 goals in 22 games this season to win the Coleman Medal by five goals from the Western Bulldogs veteran full-forward Barry Hall, who finished with 73.
It was a giant leap forward for the 21-year-old, who was selected by Richmond at pick No. 13 overall in the 2006 AFL National Draft. His previous best goal return in a season was 32 in 2009.
“He’s obviously worked very hard on his game to become a complete full-forward and his improvement has been quite stunning,” Roach said.
“He reminds me a bit of Jason Dunstall, with his tackling, harassment and forward pressure, plus his ability to read the play extremely well when the ball hits the ground, which is something Dunstall was very good at.
“And, he’s a strong contested mark, too, which is a real plus. He’s able to stand in the packs and take marks, which is something not many forwards can do these days. Most of them tend to get their marks on the lead . . .
“To Jack’s credit, he’s really improved his kicking for goal as well. Somebody’s obviously done a fair bit of work with him on it. He’s got a routine and it’s working well now . . . he’s become quite a straight kick for goal.
“At just 21, he could go on to win quite a few more goalkicking awards before his career is over.
“If they get the ball down to him enough, it’s exciting to think what he can achieve in the future.”
