Grand family deed
HIS surname has become synonymous with grand finals and on Saturday Willie Rioli added another chapter to his famous football family’s tale.
After a Collingwood onslaught, the 23-year-old sparked the West Coast comeback with a slice of good fortune that brought his team its first major late in the first term. The Magpies had booted the first five goals, but Rioli’s goal and another to Josh Kennedy soon after seemed to settle Adam Simpson’s men before quarter-time.
From there they worked their way back into the game piece by piece and ultimately claimed football’s biggest prize.
Rioli, whose uncle Maurice won a Norm Smith Medal in 1982, joined cousins Daniel and Cyril as premiership players this decade, said while some would suggest finals was when Riolis shone, he felt it was about where they had come from.
“A lot of people would say that, but I say it is a Territorial thing,” he said. “It doesn’t feel like a Grand Final without a Territorian in there, that is how I look at it. I can’t describe the feeling, this has been my dream since I was a little kid.
“I never thought I would be here, so it is a credit to my mum and dad for all of the sacrifices they have made.
“I wouldn’t have this thing around my neck if it wasn’t for those two and my family, I have a great support group and great guys who take my mind off footy.”
Rioli has lost 15kg since joining West Coast at the end of 2016 and was brought into the side as a pressure forward this year.
Having made his debut in Round 2 he held up his end of the bargain against Collingwood, laying seven tackles for the day.
He paid tribute to long-term partner Lucy Campbell-Brogan and young son Martin, who were on hand with many members of his extended family to help celebrate with the latest Rioli to earn a premiership medal.
“I live with my partner, who moved away with me at a young age, and she is a massive reason for why I am here,” he said.
“We have been together for nine years and we have a little fellow of our own now so he has put life into perspective.
“Footy is not going to be everything my whole life, so I have to enjoy it as much as I can.
“It is an unbelievable feeling I get to share this with my son.”