NICK Riewoldt has signed a contract extension which will keep him at St Kilda until the end of the 2016 season.
The superstar Saints captain, who won a record sixth Trevor Barker Award in 2014, enjoyed a stellar year, booting 49 goals and taking more marks than any other player in the AFL.
Having re-signed until the end of 2015 last year, this contract extension will almost certainly take him beyond 300 career games and within touching distance of Stewart Loewe (321 matches) and Nathan Burke (323).
Riewoldt has played 281 matches for St Kilda since his debut in 2001, and broke Danny Frawley’s record for most games as captain of the club against the Gold Coast in round 19 last season.
Saints coach Alan Richardson said the 32-year-old’s influence on the playing group is enormous both as an on-field leader and an off-field mentor.
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“Nick’s re-signing is fantastic for our football club,” Richardson told SAINTS.com.au.
“He sets a tremendous example to our young players on how to prepare for AFL football. His commitment to leave a strong legacy, that he’s carried on from the likes of Robert Harvey and Nathan Burke in the early 2000s, is a credit to him.
“His personal legacy is intact, but he has this deep desire to leave one for the football club and that is why he is so widely respected both externally and internally.”
Riewoldt was named an All-Australian for the fifth time in 2014, playing every game for the season.
Assuming his body holds up, Richardson sees no reason why Riewoldt can’t play beyond 2016 and taste finals football again.
“His knee troubles have been well documented, but from our perspective he’s in top physical shape… 2014 was probably the best he’s moved in five years,” Richardson said.
“Barring any major mishap or injury, Nick could definitely play beyond the contract he’s just signed, but that’s a fair way down the track.
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“For the moment we’re just delighted to have Rooey with us for another two seasons and leading the regeneration of our playing group.”
For the first time since 2004, Riewoldt donned the green and gold for Australia in Saturday’s International Rules test.
Having returned to Melbourne, he and wife Catherine will now prepare for the birth of their first child, due in early December.
*Offer closes 25 December 2014. All eligible renewing members, including those have already renewed will go into the draw to win a place in the 2015 team photo. One winner will be randomly drawn on the morning of 12 January 2015 at the Linen House Centre. The winner will be notified via phone or email later on 12 January 2015 and announced on SAINTS.com.au. Date of photo to be confirmed.
