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Tigers pick Maurice Rioli Jr in AFL draft

3 minute read

Richmond have snapped up Maurice Rioli Jnr, the son of the Tigers' former Norm Smith medallist, in the AFL draft.

Richmond again have another Maurice Rioli on their AFL list with the Tigers recruiting the son of the 1982 Norm Smith medallist.

Maurice Rioli Jr was selected by Richmond with pick 51 in Wednesday night's AFL draft, matching Essendon's bid for the father-son prospect.

The 18-year-old lands at Punt Rd, 33 years after his famous father played the last of his 118 games for the Tigers.

Rioli Sr was also a champion in the WAFL with South Fremantle so Jr had the option to pick the Tigers or Fremantle.

But the teenager made no secret of his desire to play for the back-to-back reigning premiers and will join cousin Daniel Rioli at the Tigers.

Daniel is already a three-time premiership player and gave a heartfelt welcome to his new teammate.

"I really wish your dad were here right now to see the moment you're (sic) dream came true but I know he'll be super proud up in the clouds watching you blossom," Daniel wrote on social media.

"You should be very proud of yourself because I know the whole family are, along with everyone that you are very close to. This is a dream come true for me."

Originally from the Tiwi Islands, Rioli Jr has been living in Melbourne, where he won a scholarship at Scotch College.

Rioli Jr will excite Tigers fans up forward with his explosive pace and innate goal sense.

His father played for Richmond between 1982 and 1987, and was crowned the best player on the ground in the Tigers' last grand final - a defeat to Carlton - before their drought-breaking 2017 flag.