Rioli finds rhythm after strong performance in Tigers’ statement win

Jackson Clark Published April 23, 2025 at 12.30pm (AWST)

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Maurice Rioli celebrates a goal against the Gold Coast Suns at the weekend. (Image: AFL)

Richmond small forward Maurice Rioli Jnr delivered one of the finest performances of his career in the Tigers' upset win over Gold Coast on Saturday night.

The energetic 22-year-old had a major influence on the contest, collecting 10 disposals – eight of them contested – alongside four inside-50s and a goal.

But it was the defensive aspect of his game that stood out the most, finishing with a match-high seven tackles and forcing multiple errors through his relentless pressure on the ball carrier.

Speaking to the club after the match, Rioli described Saturday night's win as "unreal" and praised the team's ability to stick to the game plan.

"We had a great start, our pressure was up, we came in with a mentality to win and we did that, we competed all day," Rioli said.

"We came here and did what we wanted to do and what we worked on throughout the week."

The Gold Coast clash was the first time Maurice was pitted against his nephew, Daniel, which he described as an 'awesome' experience.

"Obviously it was the first time playing against him, he's a great player, I've looked up to him my whole life.

Maurice Rioli pictured at a Richmond pre-season training session. (Image: Instagram/@mauriceriolijnr10

"He did well (tonight), but I'm so happy we got the win.

"I tried keeping him down because I didn't want to chase him all day."

The 2025 season looms as a crucial one for Rioli, who is contracted to the club until at least the end of 2026.

The Tiwi Islander is slowly returning to his best footy after battling to find continuity in recent seasons due to a string of niggling injuries.

After an interrupted pre-season Rioli started the year in the VFL, where he kicked a goal in each of his two appearances.

Since returning to the senior side he has hit the ground running, including kicking two early goals in the opening minutes of Richmond's Gather Round clash against Fremantle.

Teammate Jayden Short, speaking on Channel Nine's Sunday Footy Show, said Rioli's energy and intensity made him an exciting player to watch and to play with.

"You've only got to watch the game to realise his ceiling – just his energy, his effort – every contest he's in, he gives 100 percent," Short said.

"I don't like getting the ball at training because he's always going to run me down, (so) playing alongside him is amazing.

"Hopefully his body holds up and he can be a consistent performer for us."