Dreamtime on ‘G has long been a family affair for Maurice Rioli Jr., and now Richmond’s young gun is ready for his shot at the specials.
Richmond’s annual clash with Esendon is the title of Sir Doug Nichols Indigenous people Cousin and teammate of Round and Rioli Daniel Rioli is as familiar with the game as former bomber Dean Rioli.
Now Morris can play in perhaps the biggest game of his young career, AFL broadcast boss Travis Old said more than 70,000 people will call MCG on Saturday night for Melbourne’s first Dreamtime since 2019.
“Since the round came out in the AFL, I’ve wanted to play in it ever since,” Rioli Jr. said at the start on Monday at the MCG.
“It would be exciting (to play in front of a large audience). I don’t know what to say. If I have the opportunity to play, it will be an amazing atmosphere, it will be a very big event.
“It would be a dream (to play with Daniel). Play a big round with a family member and a few others Indigenous people players nearby.
“(Game on Saturday) is very big, obviously for everyone Indigenous people players. You can represent your whole family from home and your culture.
“I hope I can score a goal and make a holiday, a dance or something like that.”
Rioli has played in Richmond’s last three games, just six, and is finding his feet.
“I’ve found confidence and I’m just playing the way I normally play at home or in any league,” he said.
His colleague from Esendan Tex Wanganin is considering selecting seniors for the blockbuster.
“The decision is now up to the coach. I did everything I could and just left it in their hands, ”he said.
“It would be a dream. Just wear a jumper, representing my culture and my club and all the family and just do it Indigenous people the guys are proud. ”
Guernsey Esendan was designed by Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti.
The forward has not played in the AFL since last year, but has returned to VFL level after being on personal leave earlier this season.
“There is no time frame for him yet, but he is doing well, he is keeping track well,” Wanganin said.
“At the moment, he seems to be in the right place. So I hope we get it back soon. ”
Meanwhile, Old said that the successful interstate iterations of Dreamtime showed that the game could be moved elsewhere, but it was important to bring it back to MCG after two seasons.
- A short story by Anna Harrington, AAP
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