Richmond spearhead Jack Riewoldt expects plenty of goals from Tyrone Vickery in 2015.

Ben Griffiths was the preferred tall to partner Riewoldt up forward for Richmond’s final two games last season, despite Vickery’s availability having served a four-game suspension for striking West Coast’s Dean Cox.

But Riewoldt remains confident Vickery can re-establish himself and become a key part of a successful three-tall attack this year.

“He was very unlucky not to be playing in those last couple of games, but unfortunately when you’re winning games it’s hard to change a winning side,” Riewoldt said.

“He’s set himself up for a very big 2015. He’s going to be a very important piece of the puzzle for our football club.

“I expect goals from him, I expect him to play his role in the ruck, but most importantly I expect him to play his role for the side.”

While obviously disappointed to be left out of the line-up, Riewoldt said his teammate’s application to pre-season training had been beyond reproach.

Riewoldt has enjoyed a strong summer on the track himself and is focused on recapturing the form that saw him kick 61 goals in a memorable year where he also fell foul of coach Damien Hardwick after he criticised the Tigers’ game plan.

The star forward gave a wry smile when the incident was brought up on Thursday and said all had long been forgiven.

“I wouldn’t have said that it was a bumpy ride (last year),” he said.

“I would have said that it was a small blip on my behalf.

“I have a very good working relationship (with the coach), but we’re very good friends off the field as well.”