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The Bright Side
In his gritty and inspirational memoir, Jack Riewoldt reveals all about his remarkable AFL career and his personal journey of growth off the field.
Jack grew up in picturesque Tasmania, playing sport with his family and admiring his older cousin Nick. When Nick was drafted in the AFL, Jack’s focus shifted to footy, and that competitive drive helped Jack become one of Richmond’s most beloved and prolific players.
The Bright Side dives into every important win, including Richmond’s recent premierships, as well as the losses that helped Jack learn and build resilience. Jack’s positive attitude has helped him overcome a brush with cancer, the loss of his much-loved cousin Maddie – sister of Nick Riewoldt, with whom Jack remains a spokesman for the charity in her name – and the misunderstanding that has dogged much of his career.
In The Bright Side , Jack finally corrects some of the misperceptions. From mischievous youngster to revered leader of the game, it’s family and community that has pulled Jack through, and allowed him to become an AFL legend.
The book includes a foreword by Gerard Whateley.
Jack grew up in picturesque Tasmania, playing sport with his family and admiring his older cousin Nick. When Nick was drafted in the AFL, Jack’s focus shifted to footy, and that competitive drive helped Jack become one of Richmond’s most beloved and prolific players.
The Bright Side dives into every important win, including Richmond’s recent premierships, as well as the losses that helped Jack learn and build resilience. Jack’s positive attitude has helped him overcome a brush with cancer, the loss of his much-loved cousin Maddie – sister of Nick Riewoldt, with whom Jack remains a spokesman for the charity in her name – and the misunderstanding that has dogged much of his career.
In The Bright Side , Jack finally corrects some of the misperceptions. From mischievous youngster to revered leader of the game, it’s family and community that has pulled Jack through, and allowed him to become an AFL legend.
The book includes a foreword by Gerard Whateley.
- GenresBiography
Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2023
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44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 8, 2025
I've read dozens of sporting biographies and they all seem to follow the same pattern and structure. This book was the same with junior sporting success, supportive parents and a childhood sweetheart becoming his wife. Overall though, I thought he really tried to be honest with his opinions and didn't always paint himself in a good light which was refreshing. Nothing too startling or controversial but an enjoyable enough read.
December 10, 2023
I love getting different perspectives of everything that’s happened & getting the insight of it
June 9, 2024
Loved it! Love Jack and go tiges 💛🖤
October 17, 2024
My latest book review is of former Richmond Champion footballer Jack Riewoldt’s memoir, "The Bright Side." The book is an inspiring testament to the dedication and hard work required to achieve elite status in your chosen sport. In reading the book, I couldn't help but draw parallels between Jack's journey and my own, despite our vastly different paths. I know understand why I turned out to be a very average player.
Jack's background is steeped in a rich sporting heritage, with his parents being elite athletes, his father being a champion at Clarence Football Club in Hobart. In contrast, I had no such background or role models to look up to in sports. While Jack excelled in multiple sports as a kid, especially soccer, I stuck to football and later tried water polo during the summer, performing averagely in both. Jack's commitment to improving his skills as a teenager is truly commendable. He practiced diligently, focusing on perfecting his technique and fitness. On the other hand, I lacked that same drive, often slacking off instead of putting in the necessary effort to improve.
One of the most significant differences between us is the support system Jack had. His parents, family, and friends provided strong football and sporting role models, fostering an environment that encouraged his development. His older cousin, St.Kilda champion, Nick Riewoldt was a good example. Jack's proactive approach to seeking advice on improving his skills and fitness is a vital lesson for any aspiring athlete. He was forward-thinking and conscious of the need to learn from others. Another crucial aspect of Jack's success is his ability to set and pursue big goals. He made significant sacrifices to achieve his objectives, often putting his social life on hold. He even dumped his girlfriend (who later become his wife) to work on making the AFL draft.
In "The Bright Side," Riewoldt delves into his personal growth as well as his professional achievements. He shares the significant moments that shaped his career, including the unforgettable night in 2017 when, after helping Richmond secure a premiership, he celebrated by singing "Mr. Brightside" with The Killers at the MCG. This anecdote not only highlights his love for music but also his joy and spontaneity, traits that endeared him to fans.
Peggy O'Neal, former president of Richmond FC, aptly praises "The Bright Side" for providing an insider's view of the Richmond Football Club during its premiership years and showcasing Jack's evolution into a respected leader. This memoir is not just for footy fans but for anyone looking to understand what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
In summary, "The Bright Side" is a powerful reminder of the importance of hard work, resilience, and a positive attitude. Jack Riewoldt's journey demonstrates that with the right mindset and dedication, it's possible to overcome any obstacles and achieve greatness. His story contrasts sharply with my own, highlighting the critical elements I missed in my football development and offering valuable lessons for aspiring athletes.
Jack's background is steeped in a rich sporting heritage, with his parents being elite athletes, his father being a champion at Clarence Football Club in Hobart. In contrast, I had no such background or role models to look up to in sports. While Jack excelled in multiple sports as a kid, especially soccer, I stuck to football and later tried water polo during the summer, performing averagely in both. Jack's commitment to improving his skills as a teenager is truly commendable. He practiced diligently, focusing on perfecting his technique and fitness. On the other hand, I lacked that same drive, often slacking off instead of putting in the necessary effort to improve.
One of the most significant differences between us is the support system Jack had. His parents, family, and friends provided strong football and sporting role models, fostering an environment that encouraged his development. His older cousin, St.Kilda champion, Nick Riewoldt was a good example. Jack's proactive approach to seeking advice on improving his skills and fitness is a vital lesson for any aspiring athlete. He was forward-thinking and conscious of the need to learn from others. Another crucial aspect of Jack's success is his ability to set and pursue big goals. He made significant sacrifices to achieve his objectives, often putting his social life on hold. He even dumped his girlfriend (who later become his wife) to work on making the AFL draft.
In "The Bright Side," Riewoldt delves into his personal growth as well as his professional achievements. He shares the significant moments that shaped his career, including the unforgettable night in 2017 when, after helping Richmond secure a premiership, he celebrated by singing "Mr. Brightside" with The Killers at the MCG. This anecdote not only highlights his love for music but also his joy and spontaneity, traits that endeared him to fans.
Peggy O'Neal, former president of Richmond FC, aptly praises "The Bright Side" for providing an insider's view of the Richmond Football Club during its premiership years and showcasing Jack's evolution into a respected leader. This memoir is not just for footy fans but for anyone looking to understand what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
In summary, "The Bright Side" is a powerful reminder of the importance of hard work, resilience, and a positive attitude. Jack Riewoldt's journey demonstrates that with the right mindset and dedication, it's possible to overcome any obstacles and achieve greatness. His story contrasts sharply with my own, highlighting the critical elements I missed in my football development and offering valuable lessons for aspiring athletes.
April 26, 2024
A sports biography, The Bright Side (2023) by Jack Riewoldt tells his story of the eventful journey of his professional career, with its highs and lows. Representing the AFL Richmond Tigers, Jack soon became a crowd favourite, with his youthful exuberance and footy nous. Jack Riewoldt played 347 games, kicking 787 goals and played in 3 winning premiership teams. Yet statistics don’t reveal the character and ability that made Jack a Tigers icon and his lasting impact on the football club's culture. The book’s title is a nod to the song he sang after Richmond’s grand final win in 2017 and Jack’s rascally young character that matured into a Tiger great and leader. As a sporting biography, it is one the most enjoyable with the emotion and spirit of Jack’s nature shining brightly like his football exploits. Whilst recently retired AFL footballers' books may not be for everyone, this one has a five stars rating read. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without inducement.
January 30, 2024
This book covers the career of Jack with most of the warts included. He doesn’t back away from some of the controversial incidents in his life. Whilst there are shattering exclusives in this book it does explore his relationships with players and staff. I found it intriguing his talk about Brett Deledio and the circumstances of the disastrous 2016 season and the ramifications on the club.
The snippets of life during COVID are interesting. One of the best parts is his discussion on whether he would leave the club. A good read.
The snippets of life during COVID are interesting. One of the best parts is his discussion on whether he would leave the club. A good read.
January 17, 2024
A good read, but not as good as the Konrad Marshall books from the premiership years.
Gives an interesting look from the inside of the club, but surprisingly Jack's perspective is very similar to you typical Tigers fan.
Gives an interesting look from the inside of the club, but surprisingly Jack's perspective is very similar to you typical Tigers fan.
April 3, 2024
Great book! Loved reliving such cherished moments.
October 16, 2024
A book about Richmond and the glory years. Can't get much better than that.
November 23, 2024
This is a great read. It's great hearing how Jack became such a champion.
April 4, 2025
Loved this as a life long Richmond fan, Jack was a hero of mine growing up
December 6, 2025
Forgot to update whilst reading this, pretty standard biography but was throughly enjoyable to reminisce on the glory days.
January 8, 2024
I am an absolute AFL mad fan, which is exactly why I was drawn to read this book. The Bright Side is a great account of Jack's life and football career and was a very easy read. I enjoyed learning different aspects about him and thought he told his story well. It was honest and raw and didn't shy away from the truths, which I liked.
A good, quick and easy read and highly recommend for those that love the yellow and black or just love AFL like I do.
A good, quick and easy read and highly recommend for those that love the yellow and black or just love AFL like I do.
July 4, 2025
I was impressed by Jacks' use of the word métier (sans accent), and I think he did it correctly.
Ruined later somewhat by using the laborious word "entrepreneurialism", but I digress.
The Bright Side wasn't a bad memoir, just a little predictable. Which was surprising for such a colourful, divisive (to opposing fans), galvanising (at times, to Tiger supporters) talent of a player. Those who followed his career will expect and get commentary on his ructions with the press in his budding days which was justified in some cases. But then Jack sinks the boot into a closely compacted cadre of Melbourne ex-AFL footy players cum sports journos. Trying to square-up now seems redundant. Especially as he is about to become one himself it would seem.
The way the author replays the three premierships he won with the Tigers felt like page fillers as I don’t think too many people who read this memoir are going to be unfamiliar with those storied games.
Worth a read if you bleed Yellow & Black, love AFL, or like sport but a little formulaic for me to give it more than four stars.
Ruined later somewhat by using the laborious word "entrepreneurialism", but I digress.
The Bright Side wasn't a bad memoir, just a little predictable. Which was surprising for such a colourful, divisive (to opposing fans), galvanising (at times, to Tiger supporters) talent of a player. Those who followed his career will expect and get commentary on his ructions with the press in his budding days which was justified in some cases. But then Jack sinks the boot into a closely compacted cadre of Melbourne ex-AFL footy players cum sports journos. Trying to square-up now seems redundant. Especially as he is about to become one himself it would seem.
The way the author replays the three premierships he won with the Tigers felt like page fillers as I don’t think too many people who read this memoir are going to be unfamiliar with those storied games.
Worth a read if you bleed Yellow & Black, love AFL, or like sport but a little formulaic for me to give it more than four stars.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews