Riewoldt had to be medically cleared to fly home after coughing blood
Richmond spearhead Jack Riewoldt had to be given medical clearance to fly home from Perth on Sunday night after coming off second best in a bump that resulted in him coughing up blood.
The Age understands that the captain of the Virgin flight from Perth to Melbourne was having detailed conversations with Richmond club doctor Greg Hickey before allowing Riewoldt to fly.
Riewoldt came off second best after a late bump on Eagles defender Liam Duggan in the final minute of the third quarter.
Riewoldt had a down-the-ground free kick paid against him for the bump.
It's understood the Tigers star was coughing up blood when the two teams came in for their three-quarter-time huddles.
Richmond made Riewoldt's injury clear to Virgin staff before boarding the flight and further conversations were had once the players had actually boarded, with the plane's captain and Hickey discussing Riewoldt's condition in the aisle.
Riewoldt, who sat in business class, was eventually cleared to fly home with the rest of the team.
The injury puts Riewoldt in some doubt to play in Saturday's game against St Kilda at the MCG.
Richmond have been contacted for comment.