Richmond's in-form Jack Riewoldt says nagging injuries last AFL season had sapped some of his confidence, but it is back now.
Richmond star forward Jack Riewoldt says the confidence missing early this AFL season has come flowing back.
The 2010 Coleman Medallist took nine marks and booted eight goals to help the Tigers down St Kilda on Friday night, both tallies higher than anything he managed last year or previously this season.
His contribution included three of the last six goals of the game as Richmond hung on for their 18.13 (121) to 16.17 (113) win.
The 23-year-old was hampered by various nagging injuries last season and needed numerous off-season operations.
He said the associated mental toll meant he had needed time to regain the confidence to attack the ball and fly for marks.
"I came off a few post-season surgeries last year and was lacking a little bit of confidence," Riewoldt said.
"But my body's starting to feel really good.
"I'm really happy with where my head's at and going forward, the confidence of this group is growing day by day, week by week."
Riewoldt's haul followed six goals against Hawthorn in the previous round and lifted him to the top of this year's Coleman Medal race with 31 majors for the season.
It included a late sealer, when he ran into an open goal and paused, before booting the ball high into the packed stands to a huge roar.
"You love playing for this footy club for moments like that," Riewoldt said.
"There's so many people that came to the game that bleed yellow and black, that are passionate supporters.
"To win a game on the big stage, Friday night footy, with a lot of people watching, is important to this group and the way that we're going to develop our maturity."
Coach Damien Hardwick echoed the maturity theme.
The Tigers have played every member of last year's top eight over the first 10 rounds, emerging with a 5-5 record.
Hardwick said the daunting early fixture had given his side a chance to claim some major scalps and build belief.
"They now know the required level to win these football games and the challenge for us as a group is to get the results we should from hereon in," Hardwick said.
"We're a footy club that has battled hard, battled manfully, but now we've got to start to put some cream on the top."
