From captain to captain, from great to great, Brownlow medallists, All Australian’s and multi-premiership superstars, one trait associated with St Kilda champion Nick Riewoldt emerged profoundly, and that was his peerless professionalism.

Renowned for his phenomenal work rate and meticulous approach to his preparation, the 33-year-old is one of the most admired players in the game, put on a pedestal by his peers for his ability to wring every drop out of his god given ability.

Essendon captain and 200-game Saint, Brendon Goddard spent a decade going to work each day alongside the six-time Trevor Barker Award winner and revealed the example his best mate set for him when he first landed at the Saints set the standard for him to aspire to.

“The thing I admire about ‘Roo’ is his work rate and his work ethic, particularly for a young guy like me, walking into the footy club early on. He was one guy that I really looked up to, in terms of the standards he set and the way he goes about footy – I’ve always admired that about him,” Goddard told saints.com.au.

Four-time premiership Hawk Luke Hodge chuckled at Riewoldt’s ability to evolve with the game and continue to prepare himself at an elite standard, year-in, year-out. As did another champion midfielder in Geelong skipper Joel Selwood.

“The first thing you think of when you think of ‘Rooey’ is his work ethic. For someone who is as big as what he is, he changes his game. He’s a workhorse. If you look at him now he’s looking as fit as he ever has, what is he 40 years of age?” Hodge said.

“‘Rooey’s’ someone that has been looked up to for a long time, not only with his running power and where the games gone to, but the way he’s been able to change his game,” Selwood said.

One man who has been on the heartbreaking receiving end of Riewoldt dominance, Western Bulldogs leader Robert Murphy lauded a different facet of Riewoldt’s commitment, praising the Tasmanian product’s ticker.

“Nick and I have played for over the same duration so it is hard, because he’s broken the hearts of the Bulldogs for a number of years. He’s been an incredible player, one of my favourite players to watch,” Murphy quipped.

“He’s someone that I’ve admired greatly because he plays with heart and he lives his life with heart and I think that’s something that everyone would admire about him.”

As an avid St Kilda supporter growing up, Melbourne’s Nathan Jones loved watching the big No. 12 go about his business, running himself ragged and flinging himself into oncoming traffic with no concern for his own safety.

Riewoldt’s ability to reach the 300-game milestone appeared unlikely in recent years as he battled niggling injuries that threatened his longevity. But Jones says it’s a tribute to his professionalism that he has been able to overcome ailments to reach the milestone.

“That’s a testament to his professionalism. I haven’t witnessed it firsthand but you hear along the lines that he leaves no stone unturned and prepares as good as anyone if not better than anyone in the game,” Jones said.