A special fund has been set up to support the family of late NTFL footballer Kaine Riley

A special fund will support the family of late NTFL footballer Kaine Riley who died on New Year’s Eve in Western Australia. Find out how to donate here.

The footballing community has rallied around the family of the late Kaine Riley.

The three-time NTFL premiership player with Nightcliff died on December 31 last year with his body found by police in Dwellingup, Western Australia.

Riley also played three Men’s Premier League matches for Darwin Buffaloes during the 2022-23 season.

A close friend of Riley has told this publication the details of his funeral were not yet known.

However, a special account has been set up to support Riley’s family back in Narrogin to assist them in “giving Kaine a send-off he deserves”.

Kaine Riley passed away on December 31, 2022. Picture: Nightcliff Football Club.

Friend Jayden Kickett said Riley was a Darwin resident for nearly a decade and had made “lifelong friends” here.

“(He) left the greatest pieces of himself in his children here in Darwin,” Kickett said.

“All the collection (of money) from Darwin will go directly to his family.”

Kickett said a gathering of Riley’s family and friends in Darwin to celebrate his life would be held soon.

To donate use these bank details:

Name: Kaines Funeral

BSB: 923100

Account: 807911586

Nightcliff coach remembers three-time premiership star Chris Baksh remembers Kaine Riley

A three-time NTFL premiership-winning defender has been remembered as a man who always had a smile on his face — on and off the field.

Tigers coach Chris Baksh said the late Kaine Riley – who was found dead on December 31 in Dwellingup, Western Australia – was one of just 14 who played in every flag of its famous three-peat, during its golden age of 2019-21.

“He was pretty close to all the players who played with him, really,” Baksh said.

“The boys loved playing with him.

“You wouldn’t expect this to happen.”

Baksh said the native Western Australian and father was an important part of the club’s history, playing more than 100 senior matches, after joining the Tigers in 2014-15.

However, it was Riley’s beaming smile that Baksh remembered most.

“When he’s playing at his best across half back intercepting marks ... (he) always had a smile on his face while he did it, as soon as he knew he had it in his hands,” he said.

“He’d land on his feet and away he’d go.

“Supporters just loved him.”

Kaine Riley with Tigers coach Chris Baksh (centre) and the 2018-19 NTFL premiership. Picture: NTFL.

Off the field, Baksh said Riley was simply “a really nice fella”.

“He’d have a chat to anymore,” he said.

Star Tiger Cam Ilett also had a special connection to the late 29-year-old, Baksh recalled.

“He said his first training run at Nightcliff, he ran a lap with Kaine Riley,” he said.

“The presence of him made him feel happy.

“Just a genuine, good fella.”

Riley playing for NT Thunder in 2018. Picture: Felicity Elliott

Baksh said Riley attracted the attention of state leagues after winning the club’s Joe Bonson Medal in 2020 for the best and fairest in MPL, and were “keen on him”.

However, having a young family, pursuing a building apprenticeship and a love of the Territory lifestyle, kept him in Darwin at the time.

Riley’s tragic passing comes as the club established a “wellbeing network” to put members in touch with professional support services.

It will also hold a special gathering at Nightcliff Oval on Tuesday at 5.30pm where attendees can share special memories about Rile.

Meanwhile, Darwin Buffaloes, where Riley played three games in Men’s Premier League this season, said it was “deeply saddened” by the loss of the defender.

Kaine Riley defends in his final Men’s Premier League match for Darwin Buffaloes against PINT in Round 7. Picture: Celina Whan / AFLNT Media.

“Although his time with the club was short he has left an indelible mark on all who played with him,” the club said in a statement.

St Mary’s Football Club also said he was “part of our Saints family”.

“We wrap our arms around Jasmine and their children at this sad time,” the club said in a statement.

“He was a talented footballer and always sportsmanlike competitor held in high respect.️”

Kaine Riley found dead in Western Australia

A Darwin Buffaloes footballer has been found deceased in Western Australia after he was reported missing.

Police on Saturday afternoon said 29-year-old Kaine Riley was found in Dwellingup.

Officers said the circumstances surrounding Riley’s death were not suspicious.

He was last seen about 5am on Thursday Pinjarra-Williams Road, near the intersection of Pegrum Ramble.

Kaine Riley previously played for Nightcliff Tigers. Picture: Justin Kennedy

Nightcliff Tigers Football Club, who Riley had previously played for, said they were saddened to hear of Riley’s death.

“His footy on the ground was something special, but his mere presence at the club, his time and care for his Tiger family is what we will miss,” the club said in a Facebook post.

“There is no forgetting that smile and those endearing big hugs.

“Our condolences to his beautiful family, Jas, Jaice and Kyla. A wonderful family, you’re in our hearts.”

Riley last played in the NTFL in Round 7 for the Buffaloes against PINT at TIO Stadium.

He has played three games for the Buffaloes in Men’s Premier League this season.

Riley, who also played for the NT Thunder, moved to the Territory from his native WA where he played for the Narrogin Hawks in the Upper Great Southern Football League.