St Kilda legend Nick Riewoldt has responded to claims that members of the AFL are “disappointed” that he did not return to Melbourne to be formally inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame last week.
In 2023, Riewoldt accepted his installation into the Hall of Fame but as he is currently living in the United States with his wife and three children, did not return for the ceremony.
Because of this, there was expectation that Riewoldt would be in attendance at this year’s event, held in Melbourne last week.
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However, he was a no-show on the night.
Speaking on Nine’s Footy Classified on Monday night, Caroline Wilson claimed the AFL is “disappointed” that Riewoldt did not make the trip to Melbourne.
“The AFL were disappointed about that, despite saying they were fine with it,” she said.
Wilson also reported that one defining act from the former Saints forward, who kicked 718 goals across 336 games, deeply offended the league.
“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,” she 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.”
Speaking on LiSTNR’s Footy Talk podcast, Riewoldt said he wished for his kids to be in attendance when he is formally inducted and they were unable to attend this year.
“I want my kids there when I do it, and they weren’t able to make it out this year,” he said.
“They had stuff that was really important to them. One was playing all-star baseball, and one was on summer camp, which is a really big thing over here for kids –— almost a rite of passage.
“When I do it, I would love to have my family with me. It was a non-event; the AFL were fine with it.”
Wilson reported that other attendees on the night were left with a bad taste in their mouths based on Riewoldt’s non-attendance.
“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.