Caroline Wilson has claimed the AFL is “disappointed” that St Kilda legend Nick Riewoldt did not return to Melbourne to be formally inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.
In 2023, Riewoldt accepted his induction into the Hall of Fame, but is living in the United States and did not return for last year’s ceremony.
There was expectation that the St Kilda great would be in attendance at this year’s event, held last week.
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However, he did not return from the US to accept his induction formally which, according to Wilson, has deeply offended the league.
“The AFL were disappointed about that, despite saying they were fine with it,” Wilson said on Nine’s Footy Classified on Monday night.
But it was one defining act from the former Saints forward, who kicked 718 goals across 336 games, that disgruntled the AFL.
“What really disappointed them was the fact that Nick Reiwoldt was in the country very recently, a few weeks ago, but chose not to remain, to be inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame,” Wilson said.
“We know he’s living in Texas at the moment, trying other career opportunities. That is absolutely fine with the AFL.
“But they expected Nick Reiwoldt, and announced, that he was coming back to be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year.”
Wilson also confirmed that other attendees on the night were left with a bad taste in their mouths based on Riewoldt being a no-show.
“They don’t give them out in Weeties packets. There were a lot of people sitting there (at the Hall of Fame) the other night (angered),” she said.
“I can understand why the AFL were disappointed. They’re just wondering how long they’re going to have to wait for Nick Riewoldt.”
There are now more than 300 inductees in the Hall of Fame, with just 32 of those elevated to Legend status.
The most recent Legend was crowned last week, Hawthorn’s Jason Dunstall.