STAR Richmond forward Jack Riewoldt admits he doubted whether he would ever reach a Grand Final as he prepares to help the Tigers land their first premiership since 1980.
He wasn't shying away from a poor individual performance in Saturday's preliminary final win against Greater Western Sydney either.
Richmond come up against minor premiers Adelaide at the MCG next Saturday, a situation that seemed inconceivable after Damien Hardwick's side won only eight games last year.
The Tigers made finals the three years preceding that but lost an elimination final each time.
Riewoldt, 28, shared his concerns before the VFL Grand Final, in which Richmond was one of the participants, on Sunday.
"It's been 12 years and I've never played in a Grand Final before. I'll be honest, at the end of last year, there were points when I thought (about if) I would ever to represent this great football club on the greatest stage that we can play on," Riewoldt told reporters.
"It's a different feeling and one that I've never been involved in at AFL level."
He was drafted at No.13 in 2006 and had never been past the first week of finals in his 224-match career.
An undoubted gun of the competition, Riewoldt was quiet against the Giants, booting just one goal and collecting eight disposals.
A question had begun to be asked by a reporter about the forward's performance before Riewoldt cut it off.
"Let's not beat around the bush, I didn't play very well yesterday," Riewoldt said.
"My role is completely different to what it has been in the past. I like to think that I probably led from the front. I just tried to get those younger guys in the game and provide them with (opportunities for) their strengths, which is getting the ball to ground.
"I didn't have the greatest game but whatever the role the side wants me to play, I just try and play to my best ability."
Riewoldt's cousin Nick lined up in three premiership deciders for St Kilda, and the two have already had a chance meeting.
"I saw him this morning actually, funnily enough. I was driving into the club to go and do some rehab and him and his son James and Luke Ball and his little girl were scootering down the road. Adults and scooters doesn't make for a great look," Riewoldt joked.
"I saw him, pulled over and just had a quick hello. He's sent me a couple of messages already, just well wishes and whatnot but I'll catch up with him and see what it's all about."
