Jack Riewoldt under fire over 'rubbish' act in Richmond loss

Richmond have been slammed for their lack of discipline in last weekend's shock loss to the Gold Coast Suns, with veteran forward Jack Riewoldt singled out for one act in particular.

After a rocky start to the season, the Tigers have been battling to stay in the top eight and are in the middle of a pack including the Swans, Saints, Suns, Bulldogs and Power fighting for position.

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The Tigers looked to have an important victory in hand when they lead by as many as 40 points in the third quarter, but bit by bit things began to unravel.

Buoyed by a reserved half-time address from coach Stuart Dew, the Suns slowly worked their way back into the game during the final quarter, capitalising on several key errors from Richmond.

While there was no doubt the Suns turned in an incredible effort, which culminated in Noah Anderson's goal after the siren to secure the 14.10 (94) to 13.14 (92) comeback victory, former premiership player Kane Cornes was scathing of Richmond's breakdown.

Notwithstanding the several key errors they made in the final quarter, Cornes believed one moment from Riewoldt typified how the Tigers gave the game away.

With Richmond nursing a nine-point lead with six minutes left in the final quarter, Riewoldt was furious after he flew for a mark, before appealing for a free kick after landing heavily.

Riewoldt protested vehemently, and Cornes said it was this lack of awareness as to how delicately placed their lead was that showed how the Suns worked their way back in.

“Look at the score, the lead with four minutes to go,” he said.

“That’s rubbish from an experienced player who sooks to the umpire he should have got the free kick.

“How many times have we seen Jack Riewoldt sook at quarter time about not getting the free kick? So you wonder if the winning has papered over the cracks.”

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Riewoldt wasn't the only player singled out though, with multiple Tigers pulled up for serious errors throughout the final quarter.

Perhaps most glaring was what looked to be a certain Jason Castagna goal as he streamed into the goal square, only for Suns defender Charlie Ballard to come out of nowhere to smother the ball.

Cornes said Castagna had been 'lairising' and the fact he had teammate Noah Cumberland nearby for a handball didn't reflect well on him either.

“This is rubbish from Castagna — either kick the goal or handball it,” Cornes said.

“Either kick the goal prior to that, he’s lairising around goal and his set shot routine has become a bit of a meme. It’s a bit embarrassing how he goes about it.”

The criticism didn't stop there, with former Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd suggesting Tigers coach Damien Hardwick needed to ensure his side didn't give away as many free kicks as they do.

Richmond this season rank last in free kicks against, 50m penalties and goals from 50m penalties - massive advantages Lloyd said the Tigers could not continue to cede to opponents.

Curiously, the Tigers have ranked in the bottom half of the aforementioned statistics since 2013. but Lloyd said Hardwick needed to ensure something changed.

"That’s damning on Damien Hardwick,” he said.

“The worst for free kicks against...the worst for 50m penalties and worst for goals from 50m penalties.

“You’re not going to ever finish up top one or two in that situation. He’s spoken about it before but nothing ever changes.”

With AAP

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