Richmond champion Jack Riewoldt has thrown his support behind embattled Essendon coach Ben Rutten.
Rutten’s future is in limbo with a year to run on his contract as the Bombers pursue four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson.
Essendon and North Melbourne are vying for Clarkson’s signature with a final decision expected to be announced by the weekend.
Riewoldt says the former Tigers assistant coach “deserves better”.
Rutten’s position has come under intense scrutiny following Essendon’s 84-point loss to Port Adelaide last week.
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“I feel for Ben Rutten,” Riewoldt said on SEN Tassie.
“I’ve had a great relationship with ‘Truck’. He was part of the 2017 premiership. He deserves better than this for mine.
“Two years into his senior coaching life, he obviously had the transition year as well, which hasn’t really proven to be a successful model for anyone really.
“I feel for Truck because I know how much he cares about that playing group out there.
“I looked at him on the TV and he’s undeserving of what’s happening at the moment.”
Riewoldt is adamant Rutten hasn’t lost the playing group after footage emerged of an awkward exchange involving the Bombers coach and Nick Hind in a recent match.
“There’s no way that he could lose the players,” the Tigers forward added.
“Isolated incidents can be shown in a light that suits the narrative that you would like to continue to push.”
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin slammed Essendon for their “pretty poor” treatment of Rutten, comments echoed by Hawthorn counterpart Sam Mitchell.
“Simon Goodwin actually nailed his answer,” Mitchell told SEN Breakfast.
“I don’t know Rutten, he’s one of those that I haven’t crossed paths with in the game very often.
“I think everyone, regardless of your thoughts on what should happen, feels for him and the situation he’s been put in.”
As things stand, Rutten will coach Essendon in their final home and away game of the 2022 season against Richmond on Saturday night.