‘Goodness bloody me’: AFL froths over No. 2 draft pick

He’s the future of the Adelaide Football Club and Riley Thilthorpe is showing he has what it takes to become a superstar.

Riley Thilthorpe is the future in Adelaide. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)

The Crows are likely staring at back-to-back bottom four seasons for the first time in their history but there’s one giant ray of light in Adelaide and his name is Riley Thilthorpe.

The number two pick in last year’s draft has the future of the club resting on his young shoulders and early signs suggest he’s up to the task.

Thilthorpe, 18, has had an interrupted preparation for his first AFL season but played a full game in Adelaide’s seconds on Saturday and had locals frothing over his performance.

While Joe Daniher shone on debut for the Lions, the 200cm key forward put on a show at Alberton Oval.

Riley Thilthorpe shows off his size against Taylor Walker. Picture: Brenton Edwards

After kicking his first goal from a free kick after a Port Adelaide opponent broke the new “stand rule”, Thilthorpe broke the game open in the third quarter, taking several contested marks inside 50m.

He finished with four goals and also dished off a couple in Adelaide’s 14-point win, prompting former Port Adelaide player Kane Cornes to declare the Crows “will be forced to play him” in the senior side “very soon”.

Goodness bloody me Riley Thilthorpe. @innersanctum_au

— Jack Hudson (@jhudson_10) February 26, 2021

Buying all the stock in Riley Thilthorpe

— Lee Gaskin (@Lee_Gaskin1) February 26, 2021

Been a huge 5 minutes for Crows' No.2 pick Riley Thilthorpe.

- Provided outlet then assisted a Newchurch goal w/ neat over top kick
- In traffic handball to Himmelberg, who goals
- 3 marks inside 50
- Checkside goal from tight angle
- Another goal from 20m

* 4 goals for game

— Matt Turner (@mattturner1986) February 26, 2021

Thilthorpe has been told a round one berth is a definite possibility and he’s been tipped to feature in the Crows’ next trial game, another hitout against Port this Sunday.