Dwayne Russell believes it is “crazy talk” to be even be thinking about moving Jack Riewoldt on from Richmond.
On Footy Classified on Monday night, Kane Cornes suggested that the Tigers should consider moving the veteran forward on to make room for development.
Cornes said: “He's 33, Jack Riewoldt, are they going to win another premiership? Probably not. Has he got two or three years left in him? Absolutely."
Specifically, Cornes indicated that it was time a conversation was had for Riewoldt to make way for Callum Coleman-Jones who kicked four goals in his second AFL game last weekend.
Russell has leapt to the defence of three-time premiership star Riewoldt who continues to play quality football for the Tigers.
“Kane said a couple of things last night that I thought were a bit of a stretch,” Russell said on SEN’s Dwayne’s World.
“He said last night that Richmond should trade Jack Riewoldt, or force him to leave at the end of the season to secure Callum Coleman-Jones long-term to play in Jack Riewoldt’s spot.
“To me, I think that’s crazy stuff. It’s the last thing I’d do.
“He’s been the heart and soul of Richmond for so long. He’s still playing some really, really good footy. He’s a fantastic leader, he’s the kind of guy that makes Richmond what it is.
“I wouldn’t be doing that.
“Callum Coleman-Jones has played two games. Yeah he played really well on the weekend, but I do believe that they (Riewoldt, Coleman-Jones and Tom Lynch) all can work together.
“I wouldn’t be trading Jack on the back of that.”
Riewoldt kicked five goals in Sunday’s win over Adelaide, taking his season tally to 30 goals which has him placed fifth in the Coleman Medal race.
The 32-year-old also sits fourth in the competition for marks inside 50, which doubled with his history displays to Russell that the Tigers wouldn’t think twice about moving him on.
“Crazy talk. I wouldn’t be trading Jack at all,” Russell added.
“I’d be letting Jack play out his days at Richmond. He’s become a Richmond icon.
“I just love the way he goes about it these days, not only as a player who is still in full flight right now, but also as a leader.”
Russell concluded: “When this era is said and done, Dustin Martin will get a statue.
“But I think Jack Riewoldt gets into the AFL Hall of Fame first year of eligibility.
“He’s been iconic for this era, he’s got a great resume now. As a leader of the football club, as a player that stands up when the heat’s on.
“He’s become great. He’s become one of the most watchable players in the comp.”
Riewoldt, a three-time Coleman Medallist, three-time All-Australian and two-time Jack Dyer Medallist, has kicked 694 goals in 294 matches in the yellow and black.
He comes out of contract at the end of this season.