CLOSE mate and fellow veteran Leigh Montagna says the appearance of Nick Riewoldt at today’s jumper presentation in St Kilda was ‘courageous’.
Riewoldt returned to training at the club earlier this week following the passing of his younger sister Madeleine.
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Montagna said there was no rush for the club champion to return to the playing field.
“When he plays will be entirely up to him, whether he’s right to play next week or for round one that will be up to Nick,” Montagna said.
“I am still not sure at this stage, I am not sure if he knows when he will be right to play.
“Obviously it’s a very tough situation and he’s going through the grieving process and he needs to take his time and, as a football club and as friends, we will support him and give him the time he needs.
“It was great for him to show his face today and it was really courageous.”
More than 1,000 people attended today’s jumper presentation at O’Donnell Garden in St Kilda’s heartland which was held as part of Saints Membership March.
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“It’s great to be in the heartland and see it decked out in St Kilda colours and it’s an exciting time to see the new players get their jumpers for the first time,” Montagna said.
“We really need supporters to become members. We realise we have a big supporter base but we need to convert them into members. The club is working hard to do that and the players have to play their part. We’re hope all fans get behind us and it’s great to have a big turn out today.”
American international rookie listed ruckman Jason Holmes – who is fast rivalling Eli Templeton and Ahmed Saad for cult status at the club – also spoke to media and revealed he had been focusing on becoming more of a forward line threat.
“Mainly I need to win the hit-outs first and foremost but it’s about having an impact up forward too,” he said.
“It would be great to get out there and help the team win games but we’ve got a lot of rookies with AFL experience in Saady and Schneider so we will have a good team.”
Holmes said he had also been surprised by how much quicker NAB Challenge football was to VFL.
