Maurice Rioli Biography

Richmond is keeping close tabs on father-son prospect Maurice Rioli Jnr as the Tigers approach this year's NAB AFL Draft.

Rioli, the son of former Richmond great and Norm Smith medallist Maurice, is eligible for this year's draft.

"He's got a lot of talent. We've obviously done some work with him, he's been at the club before last year just briefly but we're keeping an eye on his progress for sure," Tigers recruiting manager Matt Clarke said.

Maurice Rioli is inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.

Rioli died in 2010 on Christmas day, aged 53. He was the uncle of Hawthorn superstar Cyril and great uncle to young Tiger Daniel.

"Cyril and Daniel are making the family proud by stepping up and carrying (the family name) on," son Gavin Rioli said.

"[Maurice] was a big part of South Fremantle. They loved him down there.

"He would be very proud of the family, carrying on the name through the Richmond Tigers."

Cyril Rioli wearing traditional indigenous body paint and sharing a touching moment with his father is featured in a 2015 AFL Grand Final film shown at the AFL season launch function in Melbourne.

Rioli, last year's Norm Smith medallist, is seen dancing on a beach with members of his family including father Cyril, a champion footballer in the Northern Territory and brother of the late Richmond star, Maurice.

"Cyril was really keen when I explained the 'stay the path' idea to him and his dad and cousins were fantastic. They really embraced it," filmmaker Peter Dickson said.

Richmond draftee Daniel Rioli has been handed the club's famous No.17 jumper, once worn by the prized youngster's great-uncle Maurice Rioli when he was a star at Punt Road in the 1980s.

The No.17, most famously donned by revered Richmond champion Jack Dyer, was worn by Maurice Rioli as he won two Jack Dyer medals and a Norm Smith Medal.

"It got mentioned to me and I spoke to mum and dad about it and they were happy with it," Daniel Rioli said.

"To have the number Maurice wore passed on to me, it’s a big honour.

"I’m looking forward to representing it as best as I can."