AFL icon Cyril Rioli is set to make his return to Melbourne footy in 2027, with Northern Football Netball League (NFNL) club Fitzroy Stars announcing on Sunday they had signed "one of the game's most respected and gifted players" for the coming winter.
The Stars, whose men's team celebrated a drought-breaking flag in 2025 to go up a division in the league, have gotten into their signing works early, already locking in NTFL and ex-WAFL and SANFL talent to their club for the campaign.
Last season Rioli made a return to Victoria for the first time since 2018 with a sole appearance for Murray Football Netball League club Tongala.
He'll be a more permanent fixture under former Demon, Neville Jetta, who is senior coach at the Stars.
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Eddie Betts has been a recent presence in the Stars side, helping them to their premiership win 18 months ago.
Last year, the club celebrated more historic success when their women's team lifted its first premiership.
"Few players have achieved what Cyril has throughout a decorated AFL career. A four-time AFL Premiership player ('08, '13-'15), Norm Smith Medallist (2015), three-time All-Australian ('12, '15, '16), AFL Goal of the Year winner (2009) and AFL Coaches Association Best Young Player (2009), Cyril established himself as one of the most exciting and influential footballers of his generation," Fitzroy Stars announced on Sunday.
"Known for his brilliance, creativity and ability to rise to the occasion on the biggest stage, Cyril's impact on the game extends far beyond his outstanding list of achievements. His skill, leadership and football knowledge have inspired players and supporters across the country.
"The Fitzroy Stars are proud to welcome one of the game's most respected and gifted players to our club, and can't wait to see him pull on our jumper."
Established over half a century ago, the Stars are an Aboriginal community controlled club based in Naarm's inner-north, and continue as a strong community pillar for the local First Nations community.
The NFNL also celebrated the signing of "one of the best small forwards in modern AFL history" to "grace the fields" of their competition.
Rioli called time on his iconic, near-200 game AFL career at the end of 2018.
He's since played and coached for Top End outfits Jabiru Bombers and Tiwi Bombers.
