Richmond forward Jack Riewoldt has just put pen to paper on a new one-year deal with the Tigers this week, a deal that will extend the Tasmanian's tenure at Punt Road into a 17th season.
However, Riewoldt has publicly admitted he was unsure if this season would be his last, telling SEN listeners that his future remained uncertain at the commencement of the year.
โComing into this season I probably was of the mindset that it would be my last year," Riewoldt said.
โI got there just when I turned 18 and now Iโll be 34 at the end of this year. Itโs been a long part of my journey, one that Iโve enjoyed thoroughly and one that I didnโt want to end this year at least."
The 326-gamer listed the heartbreaking elimination final loss against Brisbane and the breaking news of the new arrivals at Punt road of Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper as big reasons why he has chosen to pull the boots on again.
โItโs still hurting a little bit the fact that this season didnโt finish like we would have liked it to. I firmly believe that we had a good chance of going a little bit deeper than we did originally," Riewoldt added.
"Obviously, the news recently with Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper selecting that they would like to come to the Tigers as well, as an older player it really fills your cup up knowing that youโre hopefully going to be a genuine contender again next year. Itโs certainly an interesting time for our football club.
"Hopefully, we can sign and seal the two players".
The 755-goal Richmond great also listed the love of the game and the desire to win another premiership as reasons for not retiring.
"I love playing footy, first and foremost, thatโs the thing thatโs really important to me. I also think weโre a genuine chance and I still think Iโve got something to offer. Thatโs the other thing".
Richmond currently holds picks 12, 19, 30 and 84, the vast majority of which will require trading to secure Hopper and Taranto's signatures.