Maurice Rioli Jr wants to make his dad, the late Maurice Sr, proud of his football achievements

MAURICE Rioli Jr has wasted no time in creating his own playing destiny, but his one aim in life is to make his dad, the late Maurice Sr, proud of his achievements

Maurice Rioli Jr has created his own football destiny with a series of brilliant performances for the St Mary's senior side.

MAURICE Rioli Jr has wasted no time in creating his own playing destiny, but his one aim in life is to make his dad, the late Maurice Sr, proud of his achievements.

Junior Rioli was at his brilliant best in a Saints jumper on Saturday night, kicking four goals and running down opposition players in a performance even he rated as one of his best.

“Yeah, I’d say that, I got a bit of the footy in one of my best games for Saints,’’ the Richmond father and son target told the NT News.

“And I know my dad is looking down on me, I think he’d be proud of me.’’

The 17-year-old Tiwi islander hopes the 2020 St Mary’s side can win the club’s 33rd senior flag in 12 days time.

“Hopefully we can get it together on the day, but in the end we’re still pushing our way through, it’s really good to make a grand final,’’ he said.

Asked what his main strength was in the field of battle, Rioli narrowed it down to one word — pressure.

“I reckon my pressure is my main strength, pressure around the ball and on my opponent and things generally happen from there,’’ he said.

And what did senior coach Anthony Vallejo tell the players before they ran out on to the ground?

“Just go out and do what you do best. Things worked out for me, I dunno how the ball bounced back to me for that first goal, but it came up good and I was able to kick a goal.’’