AFL legend Nick Riewoldt has expressed significant frustration with aspects of junior sport in Australia since returning from living in the United States. The celebrated AFL Hall of Famer, who moved to Texas in 2023 with his wife Cath and their three sons, stated that his boys enjoyed a superior overall sporting experience during their time in Houston.
American Sporting Experience Praised
During their American residency, James, Will and Teddy enthusiastically embraced baseball and American football, joining local clubs and competing in organised leagues. Riewoldt believes junior sport in Australia has become excessively focused on neutralising winners and losers, thereby diminishing the valuable lessons that genuine competition provides.
Missing the Competitive Edge
Since returning to Australia in late 2024, Riewoldt has rejoined Channel 7 as a football analyst while his sons now participate in junior football in Melbourne. 'They miss it (the American sport), for sure,' Riewoldt admitted. 'They loved playing American football, they loved playing baseball. And kids' sport over there - I'm happy to say it - I felt like it was a better experience. It felt like real sport.'
The former St Kilda captain highlighted the contrasting approaches: 'The over-emphasis here on participation, and everyone gets a trophy... over there, they keep score, they have ring ceremonies, and the kids love that stuff. We had some of the most incredible sporting experiences over there where all the parents were all in.'
Questioning the 'No Score' Philosophy
Riewoldt, a five-time All-Australian who holds the all-time record for most marks in VFL/AFL history, expressed bewilderment at the current Australian system. 'I don't know, I just felt like coming back here, playing under-10s footy and we don't keep score, I don't know. At least my kids, they don't resonate with that as much as they did with the sports in the US.'
He argued that children are keeping score regardless and deserve more respect from sporting authorities. 'I think kids that age should be treated with a bit more maturity,' he added. 'We don't want to lose the element of fun and make them get too serious too quickly, but at the same time, kids know the score, kids keep score. They know exactly at the end of the game whether they've won or lost, so why do we pretend like that's not a thing?'
Praise for St Kilda's Aggressive Recruiting
Meanwhile, Riewoldt, who played 336 games and kicked 718 goals for St Kilda, praised his former club for its assertive approach during the AFL pre-season. 'I loved it, I loved the off-season,' Riewoldt said. 'When you only have so many levers at your disposal to pull to try and change your fortunes, why not be aggressive?'
He specifically endorsed the club's recruitment strategy: 'I think the players that they've invested in - probably with the exception of Silvagni and Ryan, who have been around for a long time - Flanders, De Koning, Nas, they've all got their best footy in front of them. I like the approach, I like the aggressive nature of it.'
Enjoying Commentary Return
Riewoldt also revealed his enthusiasm for returning to AFL commentary after his American stint. 'I just love being a part of Thursday night footy, the big games, big crowds,' the former Saints captain said. 'Despite being out of the game for close to a decade, it's still a rush to be out there, feel the energy when teams run through the banner and you're standing there with a microphone in your hand. I do really look forward to that.'
