Daniel Rioli shows similar qualities to cousin Cyril Rioli and could carve out similar dazzling career

THERE was an outpouring of sadness at the news of Hawthorn champion Cyril Rioli’s retirement this week but those needing to fill the void need to look no further than his cousin, Daniel Rioli, who shows similar qualities to the Hawks great.

Daniel Rioli celebrates one of his two goals against the Crows.

THERE was a sense of sadness across the football world this week with the retirement of Hawthorn star Cyril Rioli.

Talkback radio was flooded with calls paying tribute to the four-time premiership star, who had an almost unmatched ability to impact a game with so few disposals.

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But those missing Cyril need do no more than attend or tune into a Richmond game and watch his cousin Daniel Rioli go about it.

On Friday night the Tigers small forward again showed similar qualities to Cyril with his pressure and game sense and kicked two quality goals from just 12 disposals.

Daniel Rioli celebrates one of his two goals against the Crows.

Still just 21 years old, Daniel Rioli could well go on to carve out just as decorated and celebrated career as his older cousin.

He has now kicked 42 goals from his first 46 AFL games — just eight fewer than Cyril at the same time in his career — and, as Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said earlier this year, there are still plenty of areas for growth.

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Rioli keeps his eyes on the prize. Picture: Michael Klein

“Daniel’s a different type of player (to Cyril), with his aerobic capacity,” Hardwick said.

“I think he’s probably only scratching the surface of where he’s at as a half-forward.

“I’ve got no doubt he’ll push in the midfield at some stage when he gets a little bit bigger.

“So, he’ll make his own name, I’ve got no doubt.”

Friday night was by no means the best game of Rioli’s career but it was just his third game back from a broken foot.

Tigers fans — and the wider AFL community — should be very excited for what lies ahead.

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