Nick Riewoldt’s evolution into a wingman is already reaping dividends, not only with his own contribution, but equally as importantly, the development opportunity his new role is providing Josh Bruce and Paddy McCartin inside 50.

After being one of St Kilda’s best players in his 300th game in Round 2, with 23 possessions and 14 marks, Riewoldt was prolific early last week, before being forced out of the game with concussion.

In Launceston on Saturday, the six-time Trevor Barker Award did the bulk of his damage from a wing, collecting all but four of his 23 disposals outside forward 50, to go with 12 marks and 2.1.

After four games, St Kilda coach Alan Richardson said the Riewoldt transition is progressing well, with the Captain’s ability to provide an outlet on transition – much like he has done for the majority of his career – giving the Saints a target between the arcs.

Lessons part of the journey says Richardson

“He was positive Nick, whether he was wing or forward,” Richardson told reporters in his post-match press conference on Saturday.

“He gives us really good connect and really good smarts defensively when he plays on the wing. He’s proven to be a bit of a handful, (so) that’s working well.

“He’s in pretty good form. His first-half last week was positive prior to going off. His game in his 300th was pretty positive. That’s (wing/forward role) really working for us.”

With the Riewoldt shift allowing last year’s leading goal kicker Josh Bruce and former No. 1 pick Paddy McCartin greater scope for growth, Richardson is pleased with how Riewoldt has embraced the change and has still been able to impact the scoreboard.

Richardson: That's the way we want to play

“We want to give 'Brucey' and Paddy the opportunity to grow and develop there and be the men and that’s going to be hard if ‘Rooey’s’ there all the time he draws the ball so often,” Richardson said.

“‘Rooey’s’ embraced that, he understand his role and he’s still able to get forward and hit the scoreboard.”

Since McCartin returned to the senior setup in round 2, the 19-year-old has attracted the second most inside 50 entries (15) behind Bruce (23), whilst in his altered role Riewoldt has only been targeted on eight occasions when inside the arc, emphasising how the role switch is exposing the pair to more opportunities.

In less than ideal conditions for key forwards in Tasmania, all three players kicked two girls apiece, along with young Hawthorn keys James Sicily and Tim O’Brien. 

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