His body language and clashes with opponents and even team-mates have brought Jack Riewoldt's attitude into question this season.

However Richmond's star forward bagged five goals and took a series of sensational high marks in his side's nine-point win over North Melbourne in their round-five AFL clash at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

But it wasn't these mere numbers that brought a smile to Tigers coach Damien Hardwick's face.

It was the 22-year-old forward's willingness to share the love with his team-mates, a far cry from the poor body language he displayed two weeks ago against Hawthorn, which prompted heavy criticism and drew comparisons with some of the petulant displays of Tigers great Matthew Richardson.

Riewoldt was credited with three scoring assists on the stats sheet and Hardwick says the 2010 Coleman Medallist is changing his game for the better.

"It's something he's worked on and it's starting to pay dividends," Hardwick said.

"We want to reward your team-mates. A goal assist is as good as a goal as far as we are concerned.

"He probably gave away two or three which is a good result for Jack and it shows that his head is in the right spot, team-first footy.

"And what goes around comes around. Someone will reward him at some stage as well."

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