Riewoldt underwent surgery on Monday to repair a significant injury to the tendon on his right hamstring.
The operation was a success but neither Riewoldt nor club doctor Tim Barbour were able to elaborate on a possible return date when they spoke to the media on Wednesday.
"[I've had] reassurance from the doctors and the surgeon that I'll be able to come back later in the year and have a good base before, potentially, finals", Riewoldt told a packed media conference at Linen House Oval.
"That's what it's all about for me at this stage of my career - playing finals and chasing that elusive premiership.
"I've still got an opportunity to do that this year providing the team is in [that] position."
Riewoldt said the injury, once healed, should not affect the way he was able to play football.
"I've been reassured by the doctors that it's in a position where it's supported by good blood-flow, and it's been reattached, so the anatomy should go back to normal, and that will allow me to play as I've always played.
"I'm really confident that I'll make it back this year - I'm certainly very determined and I'm going to be very professional with my rehab and make sure I do everything right to give myself the best opportunity."
The side's meritorious win over top-four fancy Collingwood was completed without the suspended Justin Koschitzke and mostly without Riewoldt and key defender Sam Fisher (concussion), who were injured during the match.
Riewoldt said it showed the team's ability to win in his absence.
"I think that one thing the football club was able to demonstrate the other night was that with the way we play, personnel is irrelevant.
"We've got a really strong coaching staff and game-plan and system in place, where it doesn't matter who takes the field. I think we're going to be competitive in all games.
"I certainly expect some other players to put their hand up, and I look forward to watching them in the next few weeks.
"Kosi will come back next week, and he's a pretty handy player."
Barbour confirmed that Riewoldt's hamstring tendon had not pulled off the bone and that the muscle was undamaged, and said he expected the Saints captain to be back running inside a couple of months.
"In terms of the rehab phase, he's just had an operation 48 hours ago so the next week or two will be very quiet, and then we'll start a strength program.
"From the running point of view it's probably going to be the six-week mark, give or take a short period either side of that.
"I put Nick in the category of being a really good healer.
"He's not someone who's had a high injury-rate in terms of soft tissues, of hamstrings, so I think it bodes well."
