Son of a gun makes his mark

THERE is another Rioli on his way after Maurice Rioli Jr, son of late Richmond legend Maurice Rioli, made an impressive debut in the NTFL on Saturday.

Eligible as a father-son selection for the Tigers — where Maurice played 118 games, won two best and fairest awards and a Norm Smith Medal — Rioli Jr displayed all the traits of his famous relatives, including his legendary father and current stars Cyril and Daniel Rioli.

But Richmond could have a fight on its hands to secure the youngster when he becomes eligible for the draft in 2020.

He is also available to Fremantle under the father- son rule after his father played 168 games for South Fremantle.

Under AFL rules, a player is eligible to be drafted fatherson to either the Dockers (before 1995) or Eagles (before 1987) if the player’s father played 150 or more senior games for a WA club. One of those clubs for Fremantle is South Fremantle.

Rioli Jr, 15, booted one goal for St Mary’s in the 73-point win over Waratah at TIO Stadium.

Playing across halfforward, he lined up on reigning Nichols medallist Tim Mosquito, and did not look out of place as he used his pressure to set up scoring opportunities.

“He did pretty well, he certainly didn’t look out of it,” St Mary’s coach Ricky Nolan said.

“He wasn’t the star player but looked every part of it out there for a 15-year-old kid, it was quite amazing actually.

“If someone was saying to me how did he play? I would say he played like a Rioli.

“Defensively he’s very, very good, he’s a very good tackler.”