Jack Riewoldt has given some insight into the mindset of Richmond’s most important players.
The Tigers have been able to lock away their key premiership stars over the past few weeks with Riewoldt, Alex Rance and Trent Cotchin all committing to the club.
Dustin Martin was signed to a big-money deal last year, while Riewoldt, Rance and Cotchin have all signed extensions until 2021 or 2022 more recently, reportedly for less money than what they are worth on the open market.
The reigning premiers continue to be heavily linked with wantaway Gold Coast forward Tom Lynch and these contracts suggest that the star nucleus of the Tigers list is determined to experience continued success by making financial sacrifices (bar Martin) to advance the quality of the playing personnel.
On SEN Breakfast, Riewoldt was asked if he took a pay cut so Richmond can afford Lynch, to which the two-time Coleman Medallist replied: “I don’t think I took a pay cut for that reason.
“I took a pay cut because I’m nearly 30 and I wanted an extra year on my contract.
“I’ve been paid well over my time and I’ve come to a point now where I’d like to sure up my contract status going forward.
“The club would say we can look at getting our list better and we can also look at paying the guys like the Jayden Shorts of the world, the Daniel Riolis, the Jack Higgins’, we can pay them what they’re worth and keep them at the club.
“It’s a longer game with that one.
“We’ve obviously re-signed myself, Rancey, Trent and Dustin last year - the more high-profile players - so that we can have some clarity on going forward and we can manoeuvre things to make us be able to pay for the younger guys and possible ins as well.
“But also to keep guys like Shaun Grigg and Bachar Houli around.”
Richmond, who currently sit on top of the AFL ladder, take on Essendon at the MCG tonight as they look to sew up the minor premiership.
Listen to Riewoldt’s chat with Garry and Tim in the player below: