If you asked Jack Riewoldt whether Richmond were AFL grand final material at this point last year, he would have given you an honest answer.

“Probably no,” Riewoldt said during the grand final parade.

Riewoldt wouldn’t have been alone. His side finished 13th on the ladder, a board challenge was brewing and the knives were out for coach Damien Hardwick.

But a lot has changed in the ensuing 12 months, during which Riewoldt has been at the fore of an incredible Tiger turnaround.

They key forward has played a far more selfless role in 2017 but still kicked 52 goals this season, with legendary coach Paul Roos suggesting he was unlucky to miss out on All-Australian selection.

“It’s nice to see some of the seniors bringing the younger guys in just by creating a contest,” Richmond captain Trent Cotchin said.

“And he has really owned that forward line group, it has been special to see.”

Riewoldt, formerly something of a whipping boy for frustrated fans and the subject of trade gossip last year, struggled to hide his glee on the eve of the grand final.

“We’ve had a great season … we’re really excited about what we’ve achieved and excited about what’s ahead,” the 28-year-old said.

“There’s nothing like grand final week. It’s nearly a religion, footy in Melbourne.

“It’s all pretty surreal but we had a great taste of it last week and even the qualifying final.

“Nerves and excitement will be part and parcel of it for every player out on the ground.”

Riewoldt, seeking to end Richmond’s 37-year premiership drought against an in-form Adelaide outfit, didn’t downplay the threat posed by the minor premiers.

“They’re the best side in the competition. They have been all year,” he said.

“It’s going to take a really great team effort from all of our guys. We feel like we’ve got that in us, but there’s a lot of hard work ahead.”