Champion forward Nick Riewoldt believes the next stage of St Kilda’s development under Alan Richardson will be an even bigger challenge than the progress made this year, with a handful of sides fighting to return to September next year.
Riewoldt, who finished third in last Thursday night’s Trevor Barker Award, says St Kilda’s progression will come from within the current playing list, with an even greater spread of contribution required to take the next step in 2017.
“That’s what you need from a group to really take that next step. We know going from an average team to a good team was difficult, but the next step is going to be a lot more difficult,” Riewoldt told saints.com.au at Crown Palladium.
“We need that spread to continue to grow and we need the growth to come from within. That will be the challenge for us next year.”
On a momentous occasion for the six-time Trevor Barker Award winner, where he announced his decision to stand down as captain after 11 seasons in the role, a high finish in the best and fairest capped off a stunning year by the ageless leader.
Playing predominantly on a wing and higher up the ground in 2016, Riewoldt thrived away from his usual role inside 50, and it’s a transition that the 33-year-old admits has kept him hungry at the tail end of his decorated career.
“It was great learning a new position after so long, it was a challenge that I really enjoyed,” Riewoldt said.
“I’ve still got areas within that that I can really improve on next year and at my age to still be looking to improve is really important.
“It keeps me hungry and makes sure that I’m striving to maintain really high standards, so I look forward to doing that again next year.”
Riewoldt lauded the season produced by star midfielder Jack Steven, which culminated in a second consecutive Trevor Barker Award and a third in the last four years; a feat that has now elevated Steven into rare company at St Kilda.
“Clearly he’s one of our on-field leaders. He performs really strongly in his given role every week,” Riewoldt said.
“He’s great at winning the footy, but also providing pressure, which is what our game is built on. So he had another fantastic year and is a really deserving winner.”
With a couple of months break ready to now be enjoyed, Riewoldt departs for the United States on Monday to spend his off-season in Texas with his young family and his wife’s family.
“It’s been great the last five or six years in the off-season, to be able to spend time with my wife’s family and enjoy a holiday at the same time. We’ll be hanging out at Texas, probably spend a bit of time out at the ranch,” he said.
And after another stunning season of exceptional service, we all can’t wait to see how the next chapter will unfold in the Riewoldt tale.
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