Maurice Rioli Jnr will wear his father’s famous No. 17 Richmond guernsey in the 2025 season.

Brilliant centreman Maurice Rioli Sr wore the No. 17 jumper in his first four years at Tigerland from 1982-85, winning two Jack Dyer Medals (1982-83) and a Norm Smith Medal (1982) throughout that time. He subsequently had the No. 27 in his final two seasons with the Tigers.

The No. 17 became available when Daniel Rioli, the nephew of Rioli Jnr, departed the Club at the end of the 2024 season following a fine 183-game career that included three premierships (2017, 2019, 2020) and a Jack Dyer Medal (2024).

Since Richmond icon Jack Dyer made the No. 17 famous between 1931 and 1949, nine players have played over 50 games in the number, including some of the Club’s greats; Barry Richardson, Paul Broderick, Kane Johnson, Chris Newman and of course Maurice Snr and Daniel Rioli.

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Rioli's Norm Smith

Maurice Rioli winning the Norm Smith Medal despite being on the losing side for Richmond in the 1982 Grand Final against Carlton.

Rioli Jnr said it was an honour to be continuing his family's rich history at Tigerland.

"It means a lot. It's very special to me and my family and I'm very excited, I can't wait to put it on," he said.

"Wearing the No. 17 in pretty much every junior league growing up, I really loved the number because of dad.

"My nephew Daniel wore it, and my dad of course, so it's been in the family for a while now and it's pretty special for all of us.

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Forty years after Maurice Snr last wore the jumper for Richmond in 1985, Rioli Jnr will run out in the same number as he carries on the Rioli legacy.

"I reckon (dad would) be pretty proud and very excited, watching me from up there wearing the number 17," he said.

"A few Richmond greats have worn the number 17, (I'm) pretty honoured. Hopefully I do the number proud."

Rioli Jnr started his AFL career with Richmond in the No. 49 when he was drafted in 2021, before moving to No. 10 in 2023.

He created the Club's 2024 Dreamtime jumper, designed with his mother, Alberta Kerinauia.

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Richmond reveal Tiwi inspired Dreamtime guernsey

Maurice Rioli Jnr and his Mother Alberta Kerinauia reveal the 2024 Richmond Dreamtime guernsey.

"The Club's done a lot for me and my family, they've been there since I went to boarding school down here, so I really appreciate everything they've done for me," Rioli Jnr said.

"They have a special place in my heart, the Richmond Football Club."

Richmond's remaining guernsey numbers will be announced tomorrow.