Richmond star Jack Riewoldt was rewarded for his impressive adaptation to the changing face of AFL forward play, by being named at centre half-forward in the 2015 All-Australian team.
Riewoldt’s ability to not only kick goals (54 for the season), but create scoring opportunities for teammates, was looked upon particularly favorably by the All-Australian selectors.
“It was a little bit of a different role, a little bit further up the ground,” Riewoldt said at last night’s All-Australian awards function.
“I’ve really enjoyed it, embraced it, and I think the forward line developed around it as well.
“It was certainly an exciting year for us . . . It came to a bit of a crashing end there in the (elimination) final, but I really enjoyed playing footy with some younger guys this year, and some older guys in Brett Deledio and Chris Newman as well.”
Riewoldt agreed that he’d become a much more rounded player in the five years since he first gained All-Australian selection in 2010, as the Coleman Medallist that year (with 78 goals).
“I think it’s just a part of the natural evolution of the key-position forward,” he said.
“We’re required to tackle and get up the ground and defend with that team-defence ethos that every side’s taking into games these days.
“So, I think just the natural progression of football just changed my role.”
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