It’s Tiger time for Maurice Rioli Jr, who this weekend will get his debut for Richmond against North Melbourne

Territory Young gun Maurice Rioli Jr is set to run out with the Richmond Tigers against North Melbourne this weekend.

MAURICE Rioli Jr is the Territory’s newest AFL debutant, with the young gun set to run out with the Richmond Tigers against North Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday.

Rioli Jr represented NT Thunder Academy in the NAB League last season and was selected by Richmond at pick 51 in the NAB AFL Draft.

He excelled in the NAB League, averaging 11 disposals, three inside 50s and six tackles across three games.

In 2018, he made his NTFL Premier League debut at the age of 16 for St Mary’s, and from there he secured his place in the squad.

Maurice Rioli Jr, who played for St Mary's, will make his AFL debut with Richmond. Picture: Felicity Elliott/AFLNT Media.

Most notably he scored four goals to seal the game in the 2020 semi-final clash against Nighcliff.

NT Thunder Academy head coach Jason Roe said it was great to see another Thunder Academy player make his debut at the elite level, after former Wanderers star Joel Jeffrey got his chance with the Suns last week.

“It’s awesome to see yet another Rioli name play senior AFL footy and continue the Rioli tradition,” Roe said.

“His ability to hunt and attack the ball as well as his opponents is a huge advantage to his game and Richmond’s style of play.

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“Richmond’s strong Indigenous players and support network headed by assistant coach and the Territory’s own Xavier Clarke has no doubt been highly beneficial for Maurice’s transition into the AFL.

“We know Maurice will be an asset for the Tigers in their upcoming game this weekend, and we are confident he will do the family name and the Territory proud.”

Rioli Jr is the son of the late great Maurice Rioli Sr, who played 118 games for Richmond, won the Norm Smith Medal in the 1982 AFL grand final and was a three-time All Australian winner.

Three-time Premiership player and nephew Daniel Rioli is also a current player at the club.