Daniel Rioli’s four goals in Richmond’s stirring preliminary final success against Greater Western Sydney at the MCG last Saturday were the most kicked by a small Tiger forward at finals time since Club ‘Immortal’ Kevin Bartlett’s seven-goal haul in the crushing 1980 Grand Final victory over Collingwood.

It was an AFL career-high goal return for the gifted 20-year-old (three being his previous best), and also the most kicked in a final by a Rioli, which is no mean feat considering the special September achievements of his great uncle Maurice, for Richmond, and cousin Cyril, with Hawthorn.

Maurice won the Norm Smith Medal the last time the Tigers appeared in a Grand Final, back in 1982, while Cyril took ‘Normie’ home following his dazzling display for the Hawks in the 2015 premiership-decider.

Young Daniel now has an opportunity to emulate the fantastic feats of his famous football relatives on the biggest stage of them all – Grand Final day at the ‘G’ this Saturday against Adelaide.

“It’s unbelievable, (I’m) pretty speechless at the moment”, Rioli told Channel Seven post-game.

“I’ve always wanted to play in an AFL Grand Final . . . I’m excited, the boys are excited and I just can’t wait to get started . . .

“Cyril and Maurice did it, and I’m pretty jealous of that, but now it’s my turn getting into the Grand Final . . .”

Rioli played a pivotal role in Richmond winning through to its first Grand Final for 35 years, with his exemplary efforts across the Tigers’ forward line throughout the preliminary final against the Giants.

Aside from his four goals, he had an equal game-high eight inside-50s, nine score involvements, an equal team-high 21 pressure acts, six tackles, five marks, and 395 metres gained.