Champion forward Nick Riewoldt has become just the third player in St Kilda’s history to kick 700 goals after he added four goals to his name against Hawthorn at University of Tasmania Stadium on Saturday.
On a memorable day in Launceston, St Kilda not only snapped a 10-game losing streak away from home but also shattered Hawthorn’s 19-game winning streak at the ground, with Riewoldt leading the way attack, alongside Josh Bruce (3.2) and Tim Membrey (3.2).
The 34-year-old became just the 23rd player in AFL/VFL history to reach the mark, leaping over recently retired Fremantle legend Matthew Pavlich into 22nd position on the all-time goal kicking list.
Riewoldt, who was taken with pick No. 1 in the 2000 National Draft, put his first goal on the board in his fifth game, way back in Round 21, 2001 against Sydney at the SCG.
Since that point, Riewoldt has evolved into one of the best centre-half forwards to ever play our game, and arguably the finest player to ever wear the red, white and black.
Only Tony Lockett – the greatest goal kicker who ever lived – and Bill Mohr have booted more goals than Saint Nick, with 898 of Lockett’s 1360 coming during his time at the Saints, while Mohr finished his decorated career with 735 majors to his name.
The six-time Trevor Barker Award winner has kicked the second most goals of any current player in the competition, behind only Sydney superstar Lance Franklin, who reached the 800-goal barrier last weekend.
St Kilda’s all-time leading goal kickers
1. Tony Lockett (898)
2. Bill Mohr (735)
3. Nick Riewoldt (701)
4. Stewart Loewe (594)
5. Stephen Milne (574)
