Star Richmond key forward Jack Riewoldt has given a big tick of approval to the Tigers’ speedy, skilful small forward Daniel Rioli, who will make his senior league debut in the season-opener against Carlton at the MCG on Thursday night.

“He certainly will be exciting . . . He’s a very talented young player already,” Riewoldt told 3AW.

“I certainly can see the growth in him, and the maturity in him, over the five months that we’ve had him at the football club.

“Physically, he’s an amazing runner in terms of his speed and his endurance . . .

“The knock on him early on was probably his footy nous.  But we’ve already seen him start to pick those little things up. 

“(Mark) ‘Choco’ Williams (Richmond’s senior development coach) has been a real help for him, along with Dustin (Martin) as well. 

“I know that Dustin has taken Daniel under his wing with his football nous and just teaching him the set-ups, and about playing in the forward line . . .”

Riewoldt is eagerly awaiting lining up with young Rioli alongside him in the Tigers’ attack.

“I’ve had a lot to do with him up in the forward line,” Riewoldt said.

“It’s exciting for a senior player to have a young kid that you think can come in and have an impact straight away . . .”