Meet Jack Riewoldt: ex-Richmond Tigers goal kicker, founder, storyteller and dad to 3 little chaos machines 

When Jack Riewoldt says, “You’ve got 27 minutes a day in you,” you know he’s not mucking around.  

After a celebrated AFL career, Jack’s hung up the boots and swapped premiership trophies for a new kind of purpose. Whether he’s working with teams and organisations on leadership and culture, breaking down plays on Fox Footy, sharing his story on stage, or just trying to keep up with his three kids, Jack’s mission is simple: to help others find where they belong. 

And this September, Jack’s turning that mission toward something deeply personal: the fight against motor neurone disease (MND). As a Challenge 27 Mentor, he’s giving 27 minutes of his day for 27 days to raise awareness of the 27-month average life expectancy for someone diagnosed with MND. He’s inviting Aussies everywhere to do the same, with one simple ask. Show up, move with meaning and make it count.  

The FightMND team sat down with Jack to chat kids, chaos, purpose and why Challenge 27 is more than just breaking a sweat. It’s about showing up for something bigger than yourself.  

What inspired you to take part in Challenge 27?  

I’ve seen firsthand the impact MND has and 27 months, the average life expectancy after diagnosis, really hit me. If giving 27 minutes of my day can help extend someone else’s, that’s a no-brainer. What a privilege.  

Has your connection to MND shaped your journey in any way?  

It’s made me realise what true strength really looks like. The resilience of people living with MND is humbling, and it puts everything into perspective. As someone who’s built a life around movement, I’ll never take that for granted again. This challenge is about honouring those who no longer have that choice.  

What drew you to take on 27 minutes as your challenge?  

I’m a dad of three, juggling work and life like everyone else. So, I get how hard it is to carve out time. But 27 minutes? That’s doable. It’s a small window to reset, move, and do something that matters.  

What’s one word that sums up how you feel being part of the Challenge 27 community?  

Belonging. There’s something powerful about thousands of people choosing to move, reflect or push themselves each day for a cause that really matters.   

What do you hope others take away from following your Challenge 27 journey?  

That it’s a privilege to be able to move. A simple mindset shift from ‘I have to’ to ‘I get to’ can change everything. Even in the busiest life, 27 minutes a day becomes something bigger than just exercise. It becomes a reminder of what you’re capable of and who you’re doing it for.  

What kind of difference do you hope to make for those impacted by MND? Big, small, personal or collective?  

I hope to raise awareness, spark a few conversations, and get more people involved. Whether it’s one donation, one shared story or one person feeling supported…that’s a win. Every little bit counts in this fight.  

What would you say to someone who’s thinking about joining Challenge 27?  

LFG! Stop thinking and start moving. You’ve got 27 minutes in you.