Newly-appointed Richmond vice-captain Jack Riewoldt believes his three-year absence from the club’s leadership group has helped him become a better leader.

The full-forward was dropped from the leadership group ahead of the 2014 season and feels he has matured as a person and a player during his absence.

Riewoldt joined skipper Trent Cotchin and fellow vice-captain Alex Rance in a streamlined group announced on Friday.