JAMIE Cox believes managing Nick Riewoldt’s insatiable appetite for football will be “a challenge’ ahead of the 2015 season, following the skipper’s return to training this week.

Speaking exclusively to SAINTS.com.au, the General Manager of Football Performance said he was delighted to see the six-time best and fairest winner walk through the doors at Linen House Centre, a sentiment that was shared by the entire playing and coaching group.

“Nick has been back around the club for a couple of days which has been fantastic,” Cox said.

“It’s been pretty low key and we’ve deliberately designed it that way so that Nick, as captain of the club, can re-integrate himself slowly.”

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Last Thursday, Director of Coaching Danny Sexton suggested it would be up to Riewoldt himself when he returned to training and playing.

Cox agreed, saying that given the veteran’s vast experience and rich credentials, the ball would be in his court – potentially ruling Riewoldt out of round one.

“We’ll have conversations soon about when that looks like a return to playing, but just for now it is good to see him back re-engaging with his mates around the place,” he said.

“He’s a professional and now it is going to be a challenge to hold him back. He’s a bloke that will throw himself into everything. He’s in pretty good nick and is enjoying getting back into football at his own pace.”

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Riewoldt is renowned for his immaculate preparation, having managed a degenerative knee injury for the majority of his career.

Last year he was one of four Saints to play every game and was named in the All-Australian team for the fifth time.

Prior to this week, Riewoldt has been with friends and family since the tragic death of his sister Maddie with Aplastic Anemia on 24 February. 

Anyone wanting to show their support can sign up to the Bone Marrow registry HERE and Australian Red Cross Blood donation HERE.