Star Tiger hopes to play better in AFL GF

Sep 24, 2017 - 5:45 AM Richmond star Jack Riewoldt admits he didn't play well in Saturday's preliminary final win over Greater Western Sydney.

But it's not all about him any more.

There was a time when the Tigers would have lost more games than they won if the club's eight-time leading goal kicker had a quiet day like he did against the Giants.

The 28-year-old kicked his only goal of the preliminary final 18 minutes into the final term and finished with eight possessions and two marks.

"Let's not beat around the bush - I didn't play very well," Riewoldt told reporters on Sunday.

"But my role is completely different to what it has been in the past.

"Although I probably didn't have the kicks, marks and handballs I like to think that I led from the front.

"I just tried to keep those younger guys in the game and provide them with (opportunities for) their strengths, which is getting the ball to ground.

"I didn't have the greatest game but whatever the role the side wants me to play, I just try and play to my best ability."

Riewoldt admits to feeling despair that he would never be a part of a Richmond grand final team after last year's ill-fated campaign.

The Tigers' rise to third spot at the end of this home-and-away season caught many by surprise given the lack of an effective foil for Riewoldt in attack.

Through a combination of poor form and injury in the forward half, Riewoldt ended up playing as a lone tall target in a smaller, more mobile attack.

It's certainly not a traditional set-up but it works.

"It could be a mismatch for (Adelaide) or us, but we've been playing with mismatches for the past 12 weeks," Riewoldt said.

"We're a unique forward line, but we just seem to get the job done.

"We've got guys down there that just try their butts off. So it will be interesting to see how they match up against us.

"They're a well-rounded side so it's certainly going to take one of our best efforts."

Source: AAP