Although the annual ‘Dreamtime at the G’ clash between Richmond and Essendon, originally scheduled for this Saturday night, is not taking place because of the coronavirus restrictions, the Tigers are still celebrating the blockbuster event that has captured the imagination of the football world over the course of the past 15 years. As part of the celebrations, Richmond Media is running a series of articles throughout this week on top individual performances by Tiger Indigenous players past and present. We kick off today with a look at Maurice Rioli’s outstanding performance for Richmond in the 1982 Grand Final against Carlton.

Maurice Rioli showcased his immense repertoire of silky skills on that one day in September 1982.

When Carlton got the jump on Richmond, kicking the opening three goals of the Grand Final, it was Rioli who dragged the Tigers back into the contest.

He kicked two of his three goals for the premiership-decider in the first term through trademark lightning reflexes, to help Richmond get within four points of the Blues at the first change.

In the second term, Rioli continued to exert a significant influence on the contest, as the Tigers gained the ascendancy.

Richmond’s half-time lead of 11 points was due, in no small way, to Rioli’s capacity to combine sheer class and creativity, along with constant pressure on the opposition through top-notch tackling.

Carlton, however, regained the initiative in the third quarter and took a 17-point lead into the final break.

The Tigers dug deep and managed to cut the deficit to just five points early in the last quarter, before a stalemate ensued, with neither team able to fully capitalise on their forward entries.

Rioli continued to work energetically and intelligently in a bid to propel Richmond to premiership success.

In the end, however, the Blues were a bit steadier, and they emerged victorious by 18 points.

As disappointed as he was, Maurice Rioli at least could console himself with the fact that he’d done everything within his considerable powers to try and lift the Tigers over the line.

His match statistics of 18 kicks, one handball and one mark may seem relatively moderate by today’s standards, but his equal game-high three goals were worth their weight in gold. And the overall impact he had on the contest could not be measured merely by statistical numbers.

Every time he went near the ball, Richmond players and fans alike sensed something positive was about to happen for the team, while their Carlton counterparts sensed imminent danger. In trademark style, Rioli put every possession he gained to full advantage for the Tigers.

Despite being on the losing side, Rioli was a most worthy recipient of the 1982 Norm Smith Medal.

A premiership in his debut season of VFL football eluded him, but he became the first Indigenous player, and the first member of a losing league Grand Final side, to be awarded the prestigious Norm Smith Medal for being best-on-ground.

His brilliant, inspirational efforts throughout had been a major factor in keeping Richmond’s premiership hopes alive for much of the Grand Final. 

Here’s how Rioli’s superb showing in the ’82 premiership-decider was recounted in the book ‘The Norm Smith Medallists’ . . .

“The Grand Final could not have started worse for Richmond: Carlton dominated the centre square clearances and kicked three goals in the first five minutes. As frustrations boiled over, the game became a violent and brutal encounter. A big bump by Jess knocked out Ken Hunter, who had started well, and with the Carlton playmaker off the field, Rioli began to impart himself on the game. Working up the field to win possessions, Rioli brought his teammates into the play. Bartlett goaled a few minutes later, then, at the 16-minute-mark, Rioli goaled from 25 metres out as the Tigers began to wrestle back control. Nine minutes later, a brilliant solo effort by Rioli in the forward pocket—where he sharked the hit-out and, in the same action, snapped the ball around his body for a goal—brought Richmond fans to life. After a shaky start, the Tigers only trailed by four points at quarter-time, with The Herald’s Mike Sheahan later stating that “Richmond would have been in serious bother but for the fine first term by Rioli.

The Tigers appeared to have one hand on the premiership cup after dominating the second quarter. They kicked five goals to two and took an 11-point lead into half-time. While Rioli had a quieter second term, Raines, Rowlings and Merv Keane led the way through the middle. But, as they had done in the first quarter, after the main break Carlton again came out stronger.

In the midst of that third-quarter onslaught, Rioli was undoubtedly his team’s best player. He always appeared to have an extra second to dispose of the ball, and his decision-making and composure was a standout feature of his play. Despite Carlton’s dominant quarter, the Tigers trailed by just 17 points at three quarter-time. They then kicked two goals in the first five minutes of the last quarter, cutting the margin to just five points. Again, Rioli was the Tigers’ best player for the term, but his efforts were to no avail: Carlton kicked away to win by three goals, 14.19 (103) to 12.13 (85), in one of the truly memorable Grand Finals.”