Exciting, young small forward Daniel Rioli provides ‘Roar Vision’ with an assessment of his debut AFL season at Tigerland . . .

2016 ambition

“My main focus at the start of the year was just to get fit and play as many games as possible in the AFL this season.”

Highlight

“My highlight would be playing my first game in Round 1 (v Carlton) . . . playing in front of that big crowd.  You don’t really get that playing back home.  To run out on the ‘G’, in front of 65,000, and getting a win with the boys, was pretty special.”

The Dreamtime experience

“When I was at school in Ballarat, I used to go to every Dreamtime game.  To finally get the opportunity to play on that night was pretty special.”

Main asset

“My greatest strength this year would probably have been my forward pressure.  As a small forward, you’ve got to apply that pressure and try to do that week in, week out.  And obviously kick goals as well.”

First goal

“I remember my first goal that I kicked, at Etihad Stadium, against Adelaide Crows.  I kicked two that day, so it was good.”

Learning the Richmond way

“Everyone at the Club helped me a lot with my game . . . In that forward role, I’ve got Shane (Edwards) and Jack (Riewoldt) helping me out, especially Shane being a small forward.  We both play a similar role . . . I try and get under his wing and he showed me the ropes.”

Tigerland mateship

“I’m really pretty close with some of the rookies . . . Mabior Chol and Callum Moore.  And Connor Menadue – I’ve been doing development with him this year.  Connor played last year as well, so he helped me a lot this year.”

The next step

“In my first year, it was a big surprise to me playing 17-18 games.  But I can go out there and be a bit confident now, take the game on and just enjoy footy.”