There could be another Rioli at Tigerland in 2021, with Richmond keen to secure father-son prospect Maurice Rioli Jnr in this year’s AFL Draft, reports AFL Media.
Rioli, the son of former Richmond legend and Norm Smith Medallist of the same name, has expressed his keen interest to head to Punt Road in 2021 and beyond.
Richmond recruiting manager Matt Clarke told AFL’s Road to the Draft podcast that the club has kept in touch with him throughout what has been the toughest year for the draftees in Victoria.
“He’s been doing some work on his own as much as he can, It’s been difficult for Maurice and a lot of those boys who probably needed some more exposure through their school footy this year, he said.
“He’s got a lot of talent. We’ve obviously done some work with him, he’s been at the club last year just briefly, but we’re keeping an eye on his progress for sure.”
Rioli kicked four goals in a best afield effort for St Mary’s in the NTFL semi final this year, before he boarded for Melbourne’s Scotch College this year.
Clarke hinted that Rioli is expected to go later on in the Draft, with rivals also considering when to place a bid on him.
“He’ll be a discussion point for us at some point in the draft, I would have thought or the rookie draft… whatever it looks like,” he said.
“He’s got a bit of work to do Maurice… but it would have been good (to have) another season for him, whether if it was even six to eight games as they originally planned.”
