Jack Riewoldt has made it vehemently clear that Richmond teammate Josh Caddy was not dropped for his brain fade against Port Adelaide last weekend.
The two-time premiership player has been omitted for tonight’s clash with the Gold Coast Suns at the Gabba with some suggestions it was due to an ill-disciplined 50-metre penalty he conceded at a critical juncture in the last quarter.
Caddy ran in front of Tom Rockliff who had already been awarded a free kick and subsequent 50-metre penalty after being caught high by Dustin Martin. The second penalty resulted in an easy goal for the Power midfielder and the Caddy action was later described as "really poor" by coach Damien Hardwick.
But vice-captain Riewoldt has said Caddy’s omission is simply due to form in that he returned from a three-week injury break before having just 11 disposals in the loss to the Power.
“No, no, no, no,” Riewoldt said on SEN’s Tiger Time when asked if the dropping of Caddy was for disciplinary reasons.
“Cads had a hamstring injury and missed three games, then he came back in for last week.
“I think it’s just about finding a little bit of form. No doubt, Josh Caddy at full flight is in our best 22 but finding a little bit of form and getting back into the team is the most important thing for Cads.
“A little bit of a rest but no doubt he’ll be back in the side soon and playing an important role.”
Riewoldt also commented on the three inclusions - skipper Trent Cotchin plus Jack Graham and Oleg Markov - for the Monday night meeting with the Suns.
“We’ve got three big ins. Obviously the captain comes back in after being rested off the four-day break and heading to Port Adelaide,” he added.
“It was a smart decision and one that was unanimous with the whole club and probably even the fans as well to give the skipper a rest.
“Jack Graham comes in and Oleg Markov who was fantastic in the one game that he has played with Nick Vlastuin being a late out a few weeks back (in Round 9).
“Three important players to come in. It’s exciting that they get their chance again.
“Trent obviously being the captain is a pretty important player but the two younger guys to get another chance to come in and play their role, make their mark in the team and hopefully hold their position.”
Next up for the Tigers after the Suns is Essendon on Saturday night and Riewoldt says they could have a pair of dual premiership players in Bachar Houli and Toby Nankervis back in tow for the special Dreamtime clash in Darwin.
“There are a few troops that are on the way,” the star full-forward said.
“We spoke about Shane (Edwards) not coming up (to the hub) and Bachar Houli was the other player who didn’t come up in that initial intake. He’s joined hub life, so he’s in the hub now and the club have taken a cautious approach with him. As most clubs are doing at the moment when there’s any players coming in without a run under their belt.
“We know that Bachar’s best footy is up there with the most important players at this football club.
“He won’t play this week but more than likely he’ll be available for Dreamtime at TIO (Stadium) up in Darwin. And I think Toby Nankervis will be pushing for that game as well.”
Tonight the Tigers will look to cement their spot in the eight by moving within two points of the top four as they strive for a seventh win of the season.