Nick Riewoldt doubtful for Maddie AFL game

A calf issue could jeopardise St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt’s participation in next Sunday’s AFL clash with Richmond, which is being used to honour his dead sister.

The champion forward left the ground during the final quarter of the Saints’ 35-point away loss on Sunday to Greater Western Sydney.

“He’s a little bit sore in the calf, so it’s obviously only early,” Saints coach Alan Richardson said.

“We’ll see how he responds and how he pulls up. At this stage, it’s way too early to set the scene.”

Madeleine Riewoldt, 26, died in February after a five-year battle, two bone marrow transplants and seven months in hospital fighting Aplastic Anaemia.

The inaugural “Maddies match” at Etihad Stadium is the major fundraiser for the newly formed organisation Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision, which aims to raise funding, research and awareness to fight Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes.

Richmond’s team next weekend should include Madeleine’s cousin Jack Riewoldt, the main forward target in the Tigers’ side.

Before leaving the field on Sunday, Nick Riewoldt and his fellow forwards had little joy against a determined GWS defence.

He notched 14 possessions, six marks and a goal as the Saints struggled despite winning the inside-50 and hitout counts.

It was a case of going from feast to famine for the Saints, who followed up their biggest score of the season with their lowest.

After piling on 25 goals against Essendon, they were held to 6.13 by the Giants, despite forcing 48 turnovers.

“Full credit to the Giants, both in terms of their defenders that were on our forwards and also their structure and their team strategy to get back and support,” Richardson said.

“They did it really well. It frustrated our guys. We just couldn’t find the space in front of the ball.

“We probably tried to be a little bit too cute.”

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