It’s no wonder Richmond fans are excited by the Tigers’ selection of Daniel Rioli with its first pick (No. 15 overall) in last night’s 2015 National Draft.
The Rioli name is revered at Tigerland.
Daniel’s great-uncle, or ‘grandfather’, as he calls him, Maurice Rioli, is a genuine great of the Club, having thrilled the Yellow and Black faithful with his dazzling football feats throughout a 118-game career with the Tigers from 1982-87.
AUDIO: Daniel Rioli on SEN, November 25th
Three decades on, Daniel Rioli is preparing to follow in Maurice’s mighty footsteps and those of his cousin, or ‘uncle’ as he calls him, brilliant Hawthorn four-time premiership player Cyril Rioli, on the league football stage.
And, the silky-skilled, speedy small forward is eagerly awaiting his opportunity at the game’s highest level with Richmond.
“Pretty stoked to get my name called out. I just can’t wait to get stuck into it,” Rioli said.
“Leading up to it, I tried to keep it in the back of my head, just thinking I was coming here (the draft function) to have a good time with family, enjoy the night. Try not to think about it too much . . .
“Everything panned out real well on the night.
“Mum and dad came along for it. They’re really proud . . . they can’t wait, as well, to see me there (at Richmond) . . .
“I wasn’t too sure where I’d end up . . . Dad was on the internet looking up stuff. He was telling me I might end up at Richmond, so I thought to myself, I might have a chance here at (pick) 15.”
HIGHLIGHTS: Daniel Rioli, pick 15
Rioli, who grew up on the Tiwi Islands, moved to Victoria as a 14-year-old to attend St Patrick’s College in Ballarat, where they run a highly-regarded Indigenous education program.
He made good progress there on the academic front, and initially enjoyed football on a more social level with his mates, before deciding to devote more attention to it.
“Going through Year 11 and 12, I started to think I should I take my footy a bit serious, knowing that it was my last couple of years at school in Victoria,” he said.
“So, I tried out with (Ballarat) Rebels and got into the side, and it all started from there.
“Then I played serious footy and (under-18 National) Championships as well with the Northern Territory, which I found really good.
“I played real well in the Championships, real consistent, and then got an invite to the National Combine.
“Leading up to that, I did a lot of training . . . Got myself real fit for that and everything panned out from then.”
The talented 18-year-old provided an answer to a question about the style of player he is that was as quick and decisive as his on-field movements.
“Run and carry and just break the game open, kick some goals, tackle, forward pressure,” he said.
Rioli is intensely proud of his football heritage and not fazed in the slightest with what some may consider is added pressure for him, carrying on the famous family surname in AFL ranks.
“I just try and put that aside and play my own brand of footy and be myself, really,” he said.
“Seeing his (Maurice Rioli’s) highlights, and him representing the Tiwi Islands and playing for Richmond, is something special.
“I can’t wait to carry that name on with the Tigers . . .
“It’s a dream come true to live an AFL life. Can’t wait to get there, meet all the boys, get stuck into it . . . Hopefully put on a show in 2016.”
