Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has laughed off Jack Riewoldt's tough week in the AFL, while calling for the key forward to be cut some slack.
Riewoldt was the focus of attention when he was cut from the Tigers' leadership group.
On Thursday, he announced a self-imposed media ban because of that reaction.
The two-time Coleman Medallist missed Friday night's NAB Challenge loss to Melbourne because of a leg injury.
"He was walking to his media ban and tripped over," Hardwick joked post-match.
"We think he'll be available next week."
But Hardwick also strongly backed Riewoldt and said some of the commentary about his removal from the leadership group was unwarranted.
"Probably the disappointing thing from my point of view is Jack improved as a leader last year - what people didn't take into account (is) that other people improved more," he said.
"So overall, we were really pleased with where he's at, how he's going.
"I probably think we can cut some people some slack at certain stages because they're easy targets and us Aussies, we do it as good as anyone."
Hardwick added that Riewoldt's character was first class.
"We probably have to lay off some guys a little bit," he said.
"Overall, these guys live in a bubble and it's very hard.
"A lot of people don't understand how people feel in these situations.
"I know Jack and a lot of people inside the club and a lot of people outside know what a quality kid this bloke is."
