The prospect of again seeing a Maurice Rioli don Richmond’s yellow and black no doubt has Tigers fans licking their lips.
When Maurice Rioli Junior ran out for St Mary’s in the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) on Saturday, it marked a special occasion for the Rioli clan.
The Saints celebrated 1,000 NTFL games for the Rioli family and did it in style with a 123-point triumph over Waratah - 25.14 (164) to 6.5 (41).
In his first game back in the senior side since last season, the 17-year-old son of Tigers great Maurice Snr helped himself to three first-half goals, including a customary Rioli snap from the pocket, and was named third best on ground for St Mary’s at TIO Stadium.
Nice goal here from #MauriceRioliJnr is his BOG performance from yesterday's NTFL game for St Mary's vs Waratah.
— Ando🐯⏰🏆🏆 (@Tigers_of_Old) November 30, 2019
Watched the game..Maurice Jnr ended up with 3 goals & many of his tackles very 'Rioli' like.
Early days but looks to be progressing nicely..#gotiges pic.twitter.com/5DtC7xDD1q
Maurice Jnr had flown in from Melbourne, where he is studying at Scotch College, to take part in the special occasion for the famous football family.
“It was pretty good, it was a good win,” he told AFLNT.
“It was good to represent and play for the fam. Me and the two other brothers, Ben and Shannon.”
Rioli is back to school on Monday but says he will return to Darwin to play some more footy for St Mary’s later in December or early in the New Year while spending some time with his family.
“Yeah, probably get a few games after Christmas. I’ll just stay focused on footy and I’ll hang out with the fam and go hunting and fishing,” he added.
The talented youngster qualifies for both Richmond and Fremantle under father-son rules but has previously said he wants to following in his famous dad’s footsteps and play for the Tigers alongside cousin and two-time premiership player Daniel.
He is eligible for the 2020 AFL Draft.
Also among St Mary’s best players was former St Kilda midfielder David Armitage.
1/2T Rd 9 Men's PL: St Mary's 12.8.80 lead Waratah 4.3.27. The Saints with the first 3 goals, as Maurice Rioli Jnr & Anthony Wilson took their tallies to 3 and Jackson Calder has 2. Henry Kerinaiua trying his best for the Tahs. #NTFLtruecolours #territoryfooty pic.twitter.com/xSAemgbvf2
— AFLNT (@AFLNT) November 30, 2019
A nice touch by the St Mary’s Div 1 side, making a guard of honour as their Men’s PL team was led out by captain Shannon Rioli, brother Ben & their cousin, back for his 1st game of the season, Maurice Rioli Jnr. It’s the special Rioli 1,000 game #NTFLtruecolours #territoryfooty pic.twitter.com/fBHetHAayd
— AFLNT (@AFLNT) November 30, 2019