NICK Riewoldt is all but certain to play against GWS in St Kilda’s season opener on April 5, according to senior coach Alan Richardson.
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The 280—game veteran and skipper will enter the clash without playing a game this pre-season, but given his vast experience, Richardson isn’t concerned that his most valuable player will enter his 15th campaign underdone.
“He had a similar preparation two years ago and had a really good year,” Richardson said.
“He was touch and go for tonight. He will train really strongly up until round one… Of course he is very likely to play round one.”
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While away from the club dealing with the tragic passing of his younger sister Madeleine, Riewoldt continued to ‘tick the legs over’ according to Richardson, but understandably didn’t quite have the training load of his teammates back at Linen House Centre.
The 32-year-old was one of four Saints to play every game, booting 49 goals and taking more marks than any other player in the competition on his way to a fifth All-Australian guernsey and a sixth Trevor Barker Award.
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Should he be fit for St Kilda’s clash with GWS on the first Sunday of the season, Riewoldt will more than likely lead a new-look forward-line out onto the field.
Josh Bruce, Tom lee, Tim Membrey, Jack Lonie, Ahmed Saad and Paddy McCartin have all impressed at various times this pre-season.
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