Jack Riewoldt booted four goals in Richmond’s much-needed AFL win over Brisbane, but his leadership impressed teammate Daniel Jackson just as much.

Riewoldt, given more room to move and extra responsibility in the forward line after the omission of Tyrone Vickery, helped power the Tigers to a 43-point victory on Thursday night at the Gabba.

As a cult figure and key forward, Riewoldt shouldered much of the scrutiny as Richmond registered one victory from their opening four matches.

But he delivered in Brisbane, booting two crucial goals late in the third quarter after the Lions rallied and grabbed the lead.

“It was great to hear Jack before the game. He was probably the most vocal of all the leaders,” Jackson said on Friday.

“The public outside and the media have been maybe giving him a bit of a backhander here and there over his leadership.

“He might not be in the leadership group, but he showed out on the field the influence he can have.”

Riewoldt said he felt like he had to step up given the club was in a “tough position”.

“By no means are we out of that tough position, we’re 2-3,” Riewoldt told the club website.

“It’s just great to be back on the winners board.

“It’s fair to say the group was doing a bit of soul searching and at a pretty low point (after a 38-point loss to Collingwood a week prior).”

Jackson suggested the side’s early-season woes were caused by a lack of confidence.

“Senior players are playing well, but we’re just not quite getting it right between the ears at the moment,” Jackson said.

“It’s mainly a confidence thing.

“We started last night playing a bit more attacking footy, a bit more free flowing, which we hadn’t been doing the first few rounds.

“As soon as we get back to that, that’s when we’ll be back to challenging all sides.”