Daniel Rioli was dropped after Richmond’s Round 8 loss to Greater Western Sydney following a quiet run of form from the dual premiership small forward.

In his third game back at senior level, Rioli provided one of the moments of the Dreamtime in Darwin clash last night, with his goal during the second term.

The classy finish was important for the Tigers, who hadn't taken their chances against Essendon, but it also was kicked in front of the Maurice Rioli Stand, named after Rioli's uncle and Richmond great.

01:51

Round 13: Rioli 'I'm going to treasure this for the rest of my life'

Daniel Rioli chats to the media following the Round 13 win over Essendon.

Rioli finished with 16 disposals and a team-high five tackles in one of his most vibrant performances of the season. 

Post-match, Rioli expressed his delight at returning home to the Northern Territory, where he’d played for the St Mary’s club as a junior, to represent the Tigers in the special Dreamtime in Darwin match.

“Even though ‘Dreamtime at the G’ is pretty special, to get back here in front of my family and friends . . . I’m loving it,” he said on Channel Seven.

DREAMTIME IN DARWIN WRAP UP
  • 08:08

    Round 13: Hardwick post-match

    Watch Damien Hardwick's press conference after the round 13 match against Essendon.

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  • 06:06

    Round 13: Match highlights

    Watch the highlights from the Dreamtime in Darwin match against Essendon.

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  • 00:25

    Team song: Richmond

    Watch the Tigers celebrate their round 13 win

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  • 03:33

    Round 13: Shai Bolton wins best on ground

    Shai Bolton chats to channel Seven about the Dreamtime match and designing the Dreamtime guernsey.

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  • 01:51

    Round 13: Rioli 'I'm going to treasure this for the rest of my life'

    Daniel Rioli chats to the media following the Round 13 win over Essendon.

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  • 01:09

    Round 13: Martin 'Probably my favorite game of the year'

    Dustin Martin chats to the media following the Round 13 win over Essendon.

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  • 00:32

    Round 13: Lynch holds on to mark despite heavy collision

    Essendon backman Adam Saad goes his hardest in this contest with Tom Lynch.

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  • 00:15

    Round 13: Dusty in the goal square

    If Dusty has the ball in the goal square there is usually only one result.

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  • 00:15

    Round 13: Bolton with the snap

    Shai Bolton is front and centre and kicks an important goal for the Tiges.

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  • 00:16

    Round 13: Grimes takes a hanger

    Dylan Grimes flies and takes a great mark.

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  • 02:08

    Round 13: Richard Fejo delivers welcome to Dreamtime in Darwin

    Watch the pre-match ceremony for the first-ever Dreamtime match held in Darwin.

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“I always dreamed about playing (Dreamtime) on the MCG and then for it to be at home . . . If you told me this last year that the game’s going to be at TIO Stadium, you’d be kidding.

“It was pretty emotional to get back here, and I’m going to treasure this for the rest of my life.

“To have family that could attend this game, it’s pretty special . . . and pretty emotional.”