Will Maurice Rioli Jr want his dad’s No.17 jumper if he joins Richmond at this year’s national draft?

The future ownership of Richmond’s iconic No.17 guernsey could be under discussion with Maurice Jr set to join the Tigers via next month’s national draft

Richmond's Daniel Rioli celebrates his goal with teammate Dustin Martin. Which Rioli will wear the No.17 jumper in 2021? Picture: Sarah Reed

DANIEL Rioli is prepared to negotiate on the ownership of Richmond’s coveted No.17 jumper if his cousin Maurice Jr joins the Tigers this year.

Next month’s AFL Draft should see Maurice Jr join Richmond as a father-son recruit after his dad played 118 games in the Tigers’ No.17 guernsey.

His time at Richmond included the 1982 grand final against Carlton when he won the Norm Smith Medal in a losing side.

A rundown defensive small forward who can kick goals with either feet, Maurice Jr can play through the middle and down back with his explosive leg speed and clean skills.

The only potential roadblock to a third Rioli landing at Punt Road is a new bidding system that could bring clubs like Fremantle into the equation after Maurice Sr’s playing career with WAFL club South Fremantle.

If Richmond do select him during the four-round process and a rival bid is entered, the Tigers will have to match it to keep him on their list.

Daniel Rioli is not convinced his cousin will want the No.17 jumper, preferring instead to make his own name with a different number on his guernsey.

“Fingers crossed he gets over to Richmond because I know there are a few clubs chasing him,’’ the three-time Richmond premiership player told the NT News in Darwin this week.

“But I’m there right now and I can’t see him going anywhere else when he’s got family at Richmond already.

“As for the jumper, I want to hit 100 games first. I’ve already played 95, then I’ll either give Maurice the number or ask him if he wants it.

“I’m sure he’ll want to make his name with his own number, but at the end of the day it’s up to Maurice what he wants to do.’’

Meanwhile, Daniel is still coming to grips with having three AFL premiership medals in his trophy cabinet at the ripe old age of 23.

“The main thing for me is making my family proud by playing at the highest level and on top of that, to win three flags at Richmond makes it even better.

“It’s something I will probably look back on further down the track when I’m a little bit older and can appreciate what has happened with my kids.’’

A former St Mary’s junior, Rioli always makes it a point to come back to the club where it all started for him to reminisce and celebrate with family and friends.