Star Richmond forward Jack Riewoldt has denied speculation he has been playing injured early in the AFL season.

The 2010 Coleman medallist has started the 2012 campaign slowly, but showed some encouraging signs with a four-goal haul in Sunday’s win over Port Adelaide.

“I have been working hard on the training track, coming off a few injuries at the end of last year I thought I was going to walk back in and start playing really good footy straight away,” said Riewoldt, who has kicked 12 goals in six matches this season.

“But it has been a bit of a solid slog.

“I was lucky enough to get on the end of a few at the weekend.”

Riewoldt added he had no problems with coach Damien Hardwick, who has been blunt in his assessment of Riewoldt’s start to the season.

“It’s honest, you don’t want the senior coach pissing in your pocket, telling you you are going all right, things will turn around,” Riewoldt said.

“You want honest feedback.”

The Tigers were finally rewarded for their improved form with the 37-point win over Port Adelaide, but face another massive test on Saturday when they host Sydney at the MCG.

“We are gradually improving, getting better at our structures,” Riewoldt said.

“Hopefully we can continue that this week against a really good, solid side.

“The results show we are getting better.”