Riewoldt wants Saints back in race for AFL finals

BEFORE he makes a call on next year, Nick Riewoldt craves what has been missing from his life for the last five.

As speculation continues about his playing future, the 34-year-old says his focus is helping St Kilda return to the finals for the first time since 2011. The Saints legend successfully returned from a knee injury last Friday night in the crucial win over North Melbourne and said post-match he wants to continue next year.

Riewoldt is renowned for his football passion and said he would make sure the decision, whenever it happens, is right. “I love the game - I have a great respect for the game at the same time,” he said.

“I know at some stage you have to (retire).”