Jack Riewoldt has paid tribute to several mentors ahead of his 300th game against Brisbane on Friday night.
The three-time premiership player, Coleman medallist and All-Australian will become the fourth Tiger to notch up the milestone, with Kevin Bartlett, Jack Dyer and Francis Bourke the only other Richmond players to play at least 300 games.
Riewoldt, who grew up in Tasmania, played alongside club great Matthew Richardson in his formative years at the club, while he was also mentored by fellow Tasmanian Jade Rawlings as well as Craig McRae.
Riewoldt said having someone like Richardson at the club to learn off was vital in his first years at Punt Road, reaffirming just how grateful he was throughout his career to have plenty of people who he considers mentors.
“It was really important (to have Matthew Richardson at the club when I arrived),” he said on SEN’s Whateley.
“Jade Rawlings at well, he became the forwards coach the year I started at Richmond so we transitioned from Tassie VFL program into Richmond (together) so I had a leg up there as well.
“Craig McRae would have had a little bit to do with me beforehand with the Allies program and of course Richo, the one thing I’ve never had to worry about is having forward mentors.
“They’ve all supported me through different parts of my journey, they’ve all helped me to become a different player and change the way I play.”
While the game was originally scheduled to take place at the MCG, it’s likely to now be played at Metricon Stadium as a result of Victoria’s latest COVID outbreak.
