Memorial service to be held for the late Willie Rioli Snr at St Mary’s Cathedral

Territory and Tiwi Islands footy icon Willie Rioli Snr will be farewelled at two ceremonies across three days in Darwin and on Melville Island.

TERRITORY and Tiwi Islands footy icon Willie Rioli Snr will be farewelled at two separate ceremonies, both in Darwin and on Melville Island, over three days early next month.

The family of the four-time NTFL premiership hero confirmed with the NT News a 10am service for “Uncle Willie” would be held on August 10 at St Mary’s Cathedral.

It will be followed by a burial at Pirlangimpi on August 12.

However, it is still unclear if Rioli Snr will receive a state funeral.

Meanwhile, close to $8000 has been raised via a GoFundMe page following the sudden passing of a Territory footy legend.

Willie Rioli Sr passed away last Tuesday after suffering a heart attack at the age of 50, with the page raising $7730 by Monday morning.

“The Rioli family has been inundated with love and condolences on the passing of our beloved Willie. We are so thankful for all of your messages of support and love,” the page read.

“This page has been set up to co-ordinate all of the generous offers of assistance and we are so appreciative.

“We do not expect people to donate money or assistance but need a central point to help us manage this.

“Any money donated will go directly towards the family for funeral and wake costs in Darwin and on the Tiwi Islands.”

Rioli Sr’s nephew and Richmond AFL player Daniel Rioli was among the contributors donating $1000 on the page.

As of 1.20pm on Friday the page had raised $4640 from 47 donations.

To donate go to the GoFundMe page here.

AFL star on indefinite leave after father’s passing

THE Territory and Tiwi Islands footy communities are grieving the passing of one of the greats.

Willie Rioli Sr, who the NT News has received permission to name from his family, passed away on July 12 after suffering a heart attack, aged 50.

He is survived by his wife Georgina, daughter Nakita, son Willie Jr and his grandsons.

His passing has rocked footy circles, both in the Territory and interstate, with his son Willie Rioli jr taking indefinite leave from West Coast Eagles to return to the Territory to be with family.

He was a stalwart of Territory footy for many years as both a player and coach finding success in both the NTFL at St Mary’s and the WAFL with South Fremantle.

Rioli Sr was selected in multiple NT representative sides and was drafted by Hawthorn Football Club in 1990.

Following his illustrious playing career he stayed in the footy world with roles including head coach of the Tiwi Bombers and premiership coach of the Imalu Tigers.

He later became the Tiwi Islands Football League president.

Willie Rioli Senior died suddenly in July, 2022. Picture: Dean Rioli

In a statement, the Rioli family said they were “extremely shocked of the sudden passing of Uncle Willie”.

“He was the youngest of 10 in the family and was a great leader who pushed everyone to get the most out of themselves,” it read.

“He is going to be sadly missed by the family, friends and people on the Tiwi Islands.

“Our love and support will be behind Aunty Georgina, Nikita, Willie Junior, Kathleen and grandsons Martin and Willie Junior III during this time.”

The Tiwi Bombers Football Club released a statement late on Tuesday, commending his key contributions towards the progress of the sport on the islands.

“The Tiwi Bombers FC is saddened by the loss of former player and coach Willy Rioli Sr,” it read.

“A great contributor for both the Tiwi Bombers and more recently the Tiwi Islands Football League.”

Willie Rioli Senior won the Nichols Medal as a 16-year-old. Picture: St Mary's Football Club.

St Mary’s Football Club, where Rioli Sr made his senior NTFL debut and won the Nichols Medal at the age of 16 in the 1988-89 season, released a statement expressing their sadness.

“The St Mary’s Football Club sends our deepest love, respect and condolences to the Rioli family on the passing of Willie Rioli Sr,” the statement read.

“A four-time premiership player for our club, Rioli Sr made his senior debut in 1987-88 and won the Nichols Medal in the following 1988-89 season at the age of 16.

“He was recognised as a big game player, winning the 1992 Australia Day Medal as the NTFL’s best player against Geelong and he was also named best on ground in the NT’s win over Essendon in 1990.

“He had strong ties to NTFL clubs Waratah and the Tiwi Bombers, and of course the Imalu Tigers in the Tiwi Islands Football League through playing and coaching and we acknowledge the imprint he left on football in the Northern Territory.”

St Mary’s president for 42 years, Vic Ludwig, said Rioli Senior was an “absolute champion” rover who played in several Saints premierships.

“He’d get plenty of kicks in games, I tell you,” Ludwig said.

“There’s an old saying, only the good die young .... it’s very sad, very sad indeed.

“I knew him since he was a little boy. A very talented footballer.”

Ludwig said Rioli Senior had a wonderful outlook on life and was a positive force for others, who was incredibly social despite being a non drinker.

“He was happy, a happy-go-lucky, a good bloke,” he said.

He said Rioli Senior was recruited by Hawthorn in 1990 as pick 48 and played one season in the reserves.

“Unfortunately for him at the time they had John Platten and a few other guns, so he didn’t really get a go at senior football (that year),” he said.

West Coast Eagles player Willie Rioli Jr poses for a photo with the AFL premiership cup with his parents Georgina Vigona and Willie Rioli Sr. Picture: Justin Kennedy

St Mary’s Football Club president Adrian Moscheni remembered a “great little man” who always had a big smile on his face.

“I remember very vividly and fondly the absolute smile on his face when we won a premiership when he came back to the club,” Moscheni said.

“I’m so devastated for the family ... it’s really horrible

“Willie was one of the best, he was an absolute presence on the field for such a small guy.

“His approach on the ball was fierce, his ability to communicate with teammates and younger players ... was second to none, he was awesome at that.

“He was just an out and out champion player and I’m sure he’ll be remembered in that regard.”

He recalled a 16-year-old Rioli Senior being called up for a Territory representative team for a game to celebrate the country’s bicentenary in 1988 — the same year he won a Nichols Medal.

“He was the youngest player in that squad and he got a call up I believe because there was a couple of late injuries,” he said.

“That’s when I really got to know him. Just a great little man, he was.

“He was a very approachable man, he was very easy to talk to.

“He had a presence about him and he was always happy, I don’t think I ever saw him upset at anyone.

“He was such a loveable character, always happy.”

Willie Rioli Sr was remembered as a loveable character who was always happy. Picture: Elise Derwin

AFLNT chairman Sean Bowden said it was a privilege to have both played against and worked with Rioli Sr.

“Willie was a proud Tiwi man – always respectful and holding to the strongest of values in the way he conducted himself,” Bowden said.

“He was a valuable, passionate and down to earth mentor for the footy community on the Islands and it was a privilege to play against him and in later years, work beside him.”

Head of AFLNT Sam Gibson also paid tribute to Willie’s Territory football legacy.

“We will long remember Willie’s contribution to football,” Gibson said.

“His legacy contributions included putting his hand up as the 2021-22 TIFL President and leading the competition through a COVID interrupted season.

“Willie was greatly loved across the Territory football landscape and our thoughts are with the Rioli family at this tragic time for them and the broader football community.”

Sport Minister Kate Worden called Rioli Sr a true legend of the Territory game.

“Willie Rioli Senior, is a legend of Northern Territory football and a true community leader,” Minister Worden said.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.

“A huge personality who always lit up a room, he will be greatly missed. Our paths crossed many times over the years while Willie played for St Marys.

“His talents and generosity will be one for the ages.”

Tributes flow for Territory football legend Willie Rioli Sr. Picture: Elise Derwin

Hawthorn Football Club expressed their sadness to learn of the passing of the man who was a part of their system from 1990 to 1994.

“Hawthorn extends its sincere condolences to Rioli Sr’s family and friends, and the club’s thoughts are with them at this difficult time,” the club said.

“Along with being a loving father and grandfather, Rioli Sr was also the uncle to four-time premiership Hawk Cyril Rioli.”

South Fremantle, where Rioli Sr played 48 WAFL league games between 1989-90 and 1994, echoed those sentiments saying the club was deeply saddened by the news.

“Our club offers its deepest sympathy to all members of the Rioli family,” their statement read.

“Willie Sr played 48 WAFL League games for the Bulldogs, with his performances rewarded with recruitment to the Hawthorn Football Club in the AFL during the early 90s.

“One of twelve Riolis to represent the club with distinction, Willie Sr was a quick and supremely skilled contributor to the team during a successful period.

“Willie’s son, West Coast Eagle forward Willie Junior, represented South Fremantle at Colts and reserves level, and nephew Ben Rioli is a listed player currently.”

Originally published as Memorial service to be held for the late Willie Rioli Snr at St Mary’s Cathedral