Richmond superstar Jack Riewoldt will retire from AFL football following this weekend's match against North Melbourne.
The Club's third all-time leading goal kicker, triple premiership hero, three-time All Australian, three-time Coleman Medallist, and dual Jack Dyer Medallist informed his teammates of the news today, citing that his story had come to an end.
"I am ready for the next chapter, and I think the Club is ready to regenerate and find a new path forward," he said.
"I never thought my journey would get this far or that I would be a part of anything like what I have been. But I am so thankful for everyone who has played a part."
Riewoldt said that instead of being sad his career was over, he would spend his energy being happy that it happened.
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"It is so important to realise your own story, and while my career has been a long one, it started the same way as everyone that walks into the doors with hope and curiosity and excitement, and I have just been lucky that so many people have invested in me," he said.
"I will miss everything really, but most of all, it will be that I miss the battle and all that comes with playing for this Club.”
Riewoldt added that he was "lucky and proud" to have been a part of setting up the Club to connect with generations of Richmond people.
"37 years is a long time not to have success, so to have been a part of a group that helped change Richmond forever and possibly how the game is played on and off the field is something I am extremely proud of."
Riewoldt has played 346 games and booted 786 goals for Richmond since being selected from Tasmania with the Club's first pick, No. 13 overall at the 2006 AFL Draft.
The 34-year-old retires as a player that is still contributing heavily to the Tigers and will likely receive his 12th Michael Roach Medal as the Club's leading goalkicker at season's end.
Riewoldt booted 57 goals from 46 matches in his first three seasons at AFL level before, at just 21 years of age, exploding into the top echelon of the competition with a 78-goal All-Australian, Coleman Medal, and Jack Dyer Medal-winning season in 2010.
The high-flying forward's stellar year included a four-goal effort as Damien Hardwick snapped a nine-game losing streak to start his coaching career, followed by a bag of six against the ladder-leading St Kilda and a memorable 10-goal haul against West Coast in Rounds 10-12 as the Tiger Army raised in voice for their new hero.
Riewoldt booted 48 goals or more in the next six seasons, including a second Coleman Medal in 2012- before adding 54 majors in the Club's drought-breaking 2017 premiership campaign.
The 192cm key forward spent most of the 2017 season as the sole tall target inside 50, evolving his game to allow for the success of his smaller teammates.
Riewoldt slotted two goals in the decider and took some memorable marks as he etched his name into Richmond's history.
The spearhead played arguably his most impactful individual season in 2018 as Richmond charged to the minor premiership with Riewoldt booting 70 majors and claiming a third Coleman Medal, second Jack Dyer Medal, and third All-Australian in the process.
Riewoldt started a powerful partnership with fellow key forward Tom Lynch for the 2019 season with his Grand Final bag of five, his season best.
The durable superstar did not miss a game in 2020 despite tight turnarounds and increased demands, playing a key role in a third premiership.
In recent seasons, Riewoldt has remained an excellent performer, booting 122 majors from his past 63 starts, including three goals in the 2022 Elimination Final.
Richmond CEO Brendon Gale described Riewoldt as a fierce competitor.
“Jack arrived from Tasmania as a natural footballer and with a brashness that had him seemingly destined for stardom,” he said.
“He played the game with tremendous spirit and passion and took the fans along for the ride. Jack always wanted the moment; he wanted the ball in his hands. Even early doors as we were developing, he accepted the responsibility that came with that.
“At that time, Jack was a person that gave us hope. We were still building on the field, but we had a gun forward, a Coleman Medallist... we had a star. He was Richmond, and he genuinely cared about the Club, its people and the fans, and the Tiger Army embraced him wholeheartedly.
“As Jack's football evolved, he made the players around him so much better, and unsurprisingly, the team blossomed. With his leadership and football intelligence, he was like another coach. Throw in his competitiveness and toughness, he was a key driver in transforming the fortunes of our football club.”
Gale added that Riewoldt’s legacy at the football club was profound.
“Since 1885 Richmond has been home to many of the greatest players to have played our game. However, Jack indisputably is right among them as a giant of our Club. He is in the upper echelon, in the cream.
“By weight of numbers, games played, goals kicked, awards won, and of course premierships- there is no doubt that he is one of the absolute best that has ever worn the yellow and black.”
Riewoldt’s triple-premiership teammate and great friend Trent Cotchin is also in line play his last AFL game on Saturday at the MCG.
