SIMON & SCHUSTER AUSTRALIA TO PUBLISH JACK RIEWOLDT MEMOIR
Simon & Schuster Australia is thrilled to announce the November publication of The Bright Side, an inspiring memoir about Jack Riewoldt, the champion Richmond and All-Australian player who just announced his retirement after sixteen years in the AFL.
In his gritty and inspirational memoir, Jack reveals all about his remarkable 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 his 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 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 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.
On the publication of his memoir Jack said: ‘Writing a book is something I’ve thought about for a while, and now is the right time. I’m looking forward to sharing my story before I head into this new chapter of my life.’
Simon & Schuster Australia secured ANZ rights via their non-fiction publisher Emma Nolan, who said: ‘It’s an honour to be publishing The Bright Side. A football legend, revered leader and all-round nice guy, Jack’s story will entertain, inspire, and give a fascinating insight into the inner sanctum of the Richmond Tigers.’
Dan Ruffino, managing director of Simon & Schuster Australia, added: ‘All the charisma and intelligence you see Jack Riewoldt display each week on the football field is written large on every page of his entertaining and thought-provoking autobiography. As a lifelong, die-hard Richmond supporter who was at the MCG for their breakthrough grand final, it is a huge honour to publish the life story of one of its favourite sons and all-time legends.’
Simon & Schuster will release The Bright Side in November 2023.
An AFL champion's story of redemption, fortitude, and positivity
In his inspirational memoir, Jack Riewoldt reveals all about his remarkable AFL career and how a positive attitude helped him overcome his toughest moments on and off the field.
'Jack’s story is a compelling one and he tells us not only about his development as an elite athlete but also his maturation as a leader. As a bonus, this book provides the reader with an insider’s view of the Richmond Football Club during its premiership years. This memoir is one that all footy fans will want to own and read and re-read.'Peggy O'Neal, former president of Richmond FC
After booting two goals to help the Richmond Tigers secure a drought-breaking premiership win over Adelaide in 2017, Jack Riewoldt jumped on stage at the MCG to sing with The Killers, one of his all-time favourite bands.
The song – ‘Mr Brightside’ – became his anthem.
When faced with challenges, including the loss of his much-loved cousin Maddie and the misunderstanding that dogged much of his career, his positive attitude pulled him through. A far cry from his beginnings as a mischievous youngster, Jack is now seen as a revered leader of the game.
In The Bright Side, Jack dives into every important win and shares the lessons he has learned from the losses to help others find brightness during challenging times.