Star forward Nick Riewoldt has reflected back on conversations and text messages with former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire that almost lured him away from St Kilda back in 2013.
At the time, Collingwood were one of the powerhouse clubs of the league. With seven consecutive finals appearances and consistent top-four placements, the Pies were looking to bolster their forward line with elite players in an attempt to capitalise on their recent success and bring home a premiership.
St Kilda on the other hand were severely underperforming and in the midst of a rebuild, with Riewoldt remaining one of the standout players in an otherwise underwhelming and lacklustre Saints squad.
Riewoldt had already dipped his toe into the media landscape within the twilight of his career, however McGuire had looked to pry the veteran forward from Moorabbin as an on-field asset.
Talking on Triple M'sย The Rush Hour, โRooeyโ explained how McGuireโs promises of playing in front of larger crowds, an opportunity for more important games and a potential premiership charge almost convinced him to make the switch to the black and white.
โHe said 'Iโm not here to talk about media or any of that, I want to talk to you about coming to Collingwood', which at the time I hadnโt even considered,โ Riewoldt said
โ[He] spoke about big crowds, big games, at the 'G, all of that sort of stuff, clear that St Kilda were going through a rebuild, 'is that how you want your career to finish?'โ
โIt was a good pitch.โ
Despite the new opportunities moving to Collingwood presented, Riewoldt's loyalty and dream of remaining a club legend were enough to convince him to stay a Saint.
โIn the end, being a one-club player was probably a bit too compelling, but I got a fair way down the track," the former Saints skipper added.
The 2014 season did not go as planned for the Saints, only managing to win four games. They finished dead last with a percentage of 60.8, dropping two spots down the ladder from where they had placed the previous year.
Collingwood also endured an arduous campaign that year, amassing an 11-11 record to finish 11th.
Despite the Saints' struggles, 'Rooey' had a solid individual season, kicking 49 goals for the year and winning the club's best and fairest award.
Riewoldt went on to play a further three seasons at St Kilda before retiring in 2017.
