 In February 2014, Riewoldt was dropped from Richmond's five-player leadership group, replaced by defender Troy Chaplin.This, along with a plan by the coach to play him in a "traditional centre half forward role", saw Riewoldt approaching the season differently than he had in some time.He reduced his playing weight in the off-season, increasing his fitness base while also recovering from minor off-season surgery to his knee and hip.