Riewoldt's 2017 pre-season was hampered by lingering injury concerns. He underwent what was expected to be minor ankle surgery in September 2016, before the procedure was changed to a full ankle reconstruction midway through as a result of the surgeon uncovering more severe damage. In November he went under the knife again, this time to repair damage to a previously broken finger. He was appointed Richmond's co-vice-captain in March 2017. He was to share the role with defender Alex Rance, while both served under continuing captain Trent Cotchin