Nick Riewoldt has demonstrated year after year that he has the qualities of a true champion leader.
He represents the skill, professionalism, fitness, competitive instincts and nurturing required by such a position.
His ability to demonstrate these on a weekly basis to teammates, the competition and St. Kilda fans over the course of his career has him among the AFL’s elite.
Riewoldt has crafted his career from his outstanding marking ability. He is arguably the best of the modern era and has demonstrated this by leading the competition in this category on five occasions.
His use of his fitness base to become one of the most dominant forwards of his era was pioneering for the modern aerobically based footballer.
There is fit and then there is ‘Riewoldt fit’. He runs himself ragged to mark each ball. He will run through any part of the field, but particularly pushing up the ground, to take a mark.
His famous lead up, double back and lead up again has left many a defender gasping for air. A notable fact is that part of his pre-game routine involves covering many kilometres of running as well.
To play as he has and reach the illustrious 300-game mark speaks volumes of his preparation and professionalism in keeping his body in optimal condition.
His teammates have benefitted from the knowledge they had a competitor willing to run himself beyond exhaustion for the team’s cause. Seeing him hands on head sucking in air is a common sight.
If he wasn’t already exhausted he was throwing himself into marking duels with reckless abandon. The famous running back with the flight mark against Sydney in 2004 stands atop his many marks of this nature and has come to signify all that encapsulates Riewoldt: courage, effort, athleticism and skill.
He often had to take on multiple opponents on his own and would often do this to the benefit of the team. There are marks and acts that make your teammates walk taller and Riewoldt made a trademark out of playing his football this way.
The qualities he has displayed over his career are the ideal learning tool for the young Saints and they should enjoy every aspect of it as Riewoldt leads them through this phase of their build to their next premiership.
Over 200 games as captain, his invaluable experience is something for this young group to absorb. He has come full circle at the Saints having begun as young draftee in a club rebuilding.
He will no doubt will be relaying the advice he received from Stewart Loewe, Aaron Hamill and Fraser Gehrig along with his own personal knowledge to inform the next generation of Saints. As they develop they will see that the way in which Riewoldt leads and this can only enhance them in a positive way.
Riewoldt has, for a generation of Saints fans, been a shining light. He leads St Kilda out this weekend fully deserving every tribute that comes his way this week as he prepares for game number 300.
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
Well written article. I have always loved Rooey's style of play and the determination he brings game in and out. His fitness is incredible for a man heading into his mid thirties and he has shown time and time again that he is one of the best forwards in the AFL. As a St Kilda supporter, I'm disappointed that we were not able to provide Nick Riewoldt and some of our other veterans with a flag and I'm saddened that we came so close and lost in 2009 and 2010. However, Rooey has shown great play and great leadership throughout his career and I hope he mentors our young players, especially Paddy McCartin to become the next generation and help them develop into quality players
Luke
Guest
Anyway pal I leave this for you to think about 650 goals 299 games 6x Best and Fairest AFL MVP 2004 02' Rising Star 200+ games as captain 130 Brownlow Votes This bloke is overrated apparently... Please say no more.
Luke
Guest
If he was 10 years older he would've kicked close to 900, however, the game has changed, hence why we rarely see a bloke kick 100 goals. On another note he is a CHF not a FF, so clearly who just play in the 50m arc are going to kick more goals than him. Crying on the bench? ok lets break your collarbone and we'll get 2 100kg blokes to come up to you and hit you on your shoulder multiple times and lets see how you like it. Again do some research Goose Moose
spruce moose
Guest
You think I didn't do any research? He has one of the lowest GPG average of all the 600+ goal kickers. 300 games, he should have kicked closer to 900. I remember him crying on the bench, and I remember him really screwing up two grand finals. But of course, he's a channel 7 pundit, so he's above any rational commentary on his performance.
Luke
Guest
I suppose there is always one clown that disagrees. I think they you should be referred to as 'Spruce Goose' instead, do some research pal can't kick over 650 goals and be 'overrated'
spruce moose
Guest
Absolutely disagree. The man is throughly overrated, should never have replaced lenny Hayes as captain (who was the true embodiment of a saint), and preforms his best work up the ground instead of near the sticks, where only recently has he learned to kick straight. That he successfully made a martyr of himself by staying at st kilda when he knew they were going to bottom out makes me mad. He only looks really good now, cause the current team is so poor. But in the lyon era, at the big games, he was found wanting time and time again. The Goddard's and the Hayes'...They stood up. Still, 300 games is quite an achievement, so congrats to him on that.
Gazza
Guest
Tony, I totally agree with your comments about Nick and more. As supporters we could ask no more of Riewoldt and anyone who calls themselves a True Sainter should be there on Saturday night to acknowledge his contribution.
Gecko
Guest
Yes, nice article. Tremendous player and on-field leader. For a big man to play with that level of athleticism for so long, continually getting crunched in the packs, puts him above Carey for resilience and alongside Pav and Goodes. I notice that you didn't talk much about Riewoldt's off-field influence. The poor culture of the club for much of Riewoldt's time there is certainly not his fault but he was unable to stop it.
Luke
Guest
Great piece - Roo is one of the greatest players the game has seen, all the characteristics you mentioned about him above would suggest he is a once in a generation type player. Even though he has not won a Premiership shouldn't change the way we see or compare him. Regardless, the day he retires will be an incredibly sad day for football supporters And as a STK supporter hopefully he can stick around for 3 more years if body holds up to give himself one more shot at a flag.