No Aboriginal flag but Rioli still keen to impress in front of family and friends at TIO Stadium

Rioli homecoming a big factor in Richmond’s quest for finals football and a Dreamtime Game win

Daniel Rioli pursues the football in Richmond’s win over the Gold Coast Suns at The Gabba on Monday night. Picture: Jono Searle/AFL Photos/via Getty Images.

DANIEL Rioli will play his fourth Dreamtime Game in a Richmond jumper when he runs on to TIO Stadium on Saturday night.

But while playing in front of his family and friends on the ground where he learned his trade will be “a once in a lifetime thing,’’ something big will be missing.

The one item that lifts indigenous players right through the 18 AFL clubs and means so much to Rioli and his indigenous brothers.

The Aboriginal flag, the iconic symbol that binds together indigenous culture, their football and even life itself, will not be displayed in the middle of the ground.

“It’s very ordinary, personally I would love it to be there because it’s been there every time a Dreamtime Game has been played,’’ Rioli said.

“I don’t know the reason behind it because the flag is what these games are all about and it’s what we play for.

“What are they going to put in it’s place? Something doesn’t seem right here.’’

In a twist, Rioli will make his 87th appearance in the yellow and black of Richmond in a playing career that includes the 2017 and ‘19 premierships.

But unlucky numbers mean nothing for Rioli, who is focusing on a big performance in front of a Darwin crowd that took him from junior football with St Mary’s to the big stage.

“Man, I can’t wait, there’s a fair few family and friends from the islands and my school days coming to see me play,’’ he said.

“I’ve had a lot of requests for tickets, so hopefully as many as possible get to the ground.

“I’m due to kick a goal, I haven’t kicked one for three or four weeks now.

“If I kick one hopefully the whole town will erupt in what is a big game for the club with the finals not far away.’’

“We’ve been 50-50 this year, but right now we need to start winning games if we want a top four spot.’’

Rioli and his teammates want to build momentum for the crucial games left in the four minor round games after the Dreamtime clash.

“If we win a couple more down the track it would be nice and that’s our aim in Darwin.’’