Rising Star award: Daniel Rioli receives Round 22 nomination
DANIEL Rioli will be chasing animals in the wild instead of the Sherrin soon after Saturday’s game against Sydney.
Richmond
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DANIEL Rioli will be chasing animals in the wild instead of the Sherrin soon after Saturday’s game against Sydney.
The clever Richmond forward — who underlined an impressive debut season with a NAB Rising Star nomination — can’t wait to return to the Tiwi Islands.
“I’ll go fishing and hunting and shooting and might go camping as well and just hang out with the family as much as I can,” he said.
“It meant a lot actually (to go home). I’ve been away from home a fair bit now, I’ve been to Ballarat for four years for school and every time I get back home I make the most of it.
Rioli said it was a special moment to be given the No.17 Richmond guernsey his grandfather Maurice Rioli wore with distinction, and the nomination came after his 17th game.
Rioli, the first Tiger to be recognised this season, backed Western Bulldog Caleb Daniel to take out the prize.
The crafty small forward rocketed up the rankings last year with a sizzling draft combine and then starred in the Grand Final curtainraiser on the MCG before his “uncle” Cyril won the Norm Smith.
Since arriving at Punt Rd, Rioli has been working closely with fellow goalkickers Shane Edwards and Jack Riewoldt.
“As soon as I set foot in Punt Rd I had Shane Edwards, another indigenous player, and Jack Riewoldt taking me under their wing,” Rioli said.
“We all play up forward and Shane I learn off with his crumbing patterns and my tackling, and with Jack it’s my leading patterns and structures.
“He’s been a big influence as well.”
Rioli’s 2016 highlight was debuting in Round 1 in front of 75,706 fans, and he’ll be barracking for Cyril in the finals.
“I’m pretty stoked (with my season) actually,” he said.
“I’ve played a couple of games and it’s helped a lot with my confidence and hopefully in the future I’ll play a bit more.”
Originally published as Rising Star award: Daniel Rioli receives Round 22 nomination
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