Injured Rioli to go under knife

RICHMOND young gun Daniel Rioli is set to be booked in for off-season surgery after hurting his ankle in the AFL grand final.

Rioli was on crutches when the Tigers started their premiership celebrations, having limped off late in the final quarter of Saturday’s season decider.

The small forward delivered trademark pressure in Richmond’s 48-point win over Adelaide at the MCG, laying five tackles.

“Not too good. He’s in a bit of pain at the moment,” Tigers coach Damien Hardwick said yesterday, when asked about Rioli.

“We’ll see how that goes but he probably requires some sort of operation, which is really disappointing for him ... I’m sure it’ll be subdued a little bit with a premiership medallion around his neck.”

The 20-year-old’s family history in finals is incredible – relatives Cyril Rioli, Maurice Rioli and Michael Long have all won Norm Smith medals.

Daniel Rioli was correct to play down his hopes of following in their footsteps prematch, when he correctly tipped Dustin Martin would be judged best on ground.

But Rioli was among Richmond’s best in their preliminary-final triumph, booting four goals, and is set for a bright future according to many good judges.

“He’s been a fantastic player for us,” Hardwick said. “He’s a special player.” Rioli was drafted with the 15th pick overall in the 2015 national draft.

Last week, he was awarded the coveted AFL goal of the year award.