Mick Malthouse says veteran Richmond forward Jack Riewoldt is "frightfully slow” and “inches off the edge of the cliff”.
Riewoldt found form against second-placed Brisbane booting four goals in the Tigers’ 41-point win at Metricon Stadium.
Speaking on ABC Grandstand, Malthouse is concerned the 31-year-old dual premiership player is running out of gas, despite his season-best haul on Tuesday night.
“I reckon I know players and I see Jack as inches off the edge of the cliff,” the three-time premiership coach said.
“Because one of the things he had was a bit of toe over the first five (metres). He had jumping power. No doubt tonight he’s kicked four goals.
“I see Jack at the moment – he’s frightfully slow. He’s not going to get quicker. His body has been punished … you know he’s been a key position player for 12 or 13 years and that takes its toll.
“Not many players can lose pace and still be as effective.
“Now the other thing about Jack Riewoldt, he’s not 6 foot 5. You know he’s that medium to tall player.
“I think it’s been fantastic that he’s kicked four but I don’t think he’s going to get that same opportunity against other sides.
“(Tom) Lynch will still kick big goals and I think their mediums will kick goals. I think Jack’s a spiritual leader down there … he’s just a great bloke Jack.
“I hope I’m wrong, but I think the cliff is getting very, very close. If they meet a bigger-bodied side that’s going to push the ball out and about and you have to fight for your football 15 metres away … Jack won’t get to it.
“If it gets put on the top of his head, it may.”
Riewoldt is contracted at Richmond until the end of 2021.
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