Jack keen to be an All Star

DUAL- PREMIERSHIP star Jack Riewoldt (above) is keen to play in the AFL’s bushfire charity game and, pleasingly for Richmond, the veteran spearhead is healthy enough to have a kick, too.

If the All Stars will have him, of course.

Riewoldt missed 12 games last year with wrist and knee injuries, but the 30-year-old did not need surgery and is delighted with his preparation for the 2020 season.

He said yesterday superstar teammate Dustin Martin had also put his hand up to play for the Victorian team, coached by Damien Hardwick.

Riewoldt, a proud Tasmanian, would line up for John Longmire’s All Stars if selected for the February 28 exhibition match at Marvel Stadium.

“I’d love to play, I’ve just got to get picked,” he said.

“With only three players from each team being picked, I’m looking at it and thinking we’ve got some pretty good players who would get picked ahead of me.

“From my conversations with (Dusty), he’s really keen to play, too.

“I think all players are jumping out of their skins to be a part of the game. I suppose having ‘Dimma’ as coach (helps).”

The 262-game veteran enjoyed great durability until last season.

His injury lay-offs meant he didn’t get as many opportunities as he would have liked to create chemistry with star signing Tom Lynch.

It did not prove too big an issue for the Tigers as they stormed to their second premiership in three years.

“I’m really confident coming into this season and looking forward to providing a good foil for Tom,” he said.

“We can practise a few little things now, get that connection and on-field work rate together is really exciting.

“I’m looking forward to learning off him and trying to teach him a few tricks so we can have another great year.”