AFLNT CEO Tony Frawley today announced that a specially compiled video tribute to the late great Maurice Rioli will be shown at half time of the Toyota AFL Round 10 game being played on Saturday 28th May, at TIO stadium between Rioli’s former team the Richmond Tigers and Port Adelaide.
"Maurice Rioli’s passing has left a huge void in NT football and he is greatly missed not only by the football community to whom he gave so much but also the community as a whole.
"Richmond Tigers have compiled a touching video tribute containing the manyhighlights of Maurice’s incredible playing career and we will also be showing the footage we used last year when Maurice was inducted into the AFLNT Hall of Fame where he was bestowed with ‘LEGEND’ status."
Following the video tribute, Rioli’s nephew Jack Long (17), will perform a song he has penned in honor of his late uncle and former team mate of Maurice Rioli, Dale ‘the Flea’ Weightman will speak on behalf of The Tigers during the tribute.
"It is fitting that the Tigers are the first team to play in Darwin since Maurice Rioli’s passing. Maurice is a true legend in Tigerland and we are honored to be given the opportunity to pay tribute to Maurice here at TIO Stadium."
Weightman is delighted to have the opportunity to pay his respects to his late team mate on his home turf in Darwin, "I had the privilege of playing alongside Maurice, and was able to see firsthand how much of a brilliant player he was."
"He was a pioneer for Indigenous players at the highest level, and a fine example of what it means to wear the Yellow and Black," said Weightman.
"Richmond is proud to be involved in honouring Maurice’s life as a footballer, and as a leader in the community."
Maurice Rioli’s career highlights include:
- Winning the WAFL Simpson Medal in 1980 and 1981 while at South Fremantle
- Six seasons at Richmond resulting in 118 games and 80 goals
- Richmond Best and Fairest in 1982 and 1983
- Winner Norm Smith medal for best on ground in the 1982 Grand Final
- Runner up on the Brownlow in 1983
- All Australian in 1983, 1986 and 1988
- Named in the AFL Indigenous Team of the Century
- Inducted as a Legend into the AFLNT Hall of Fame in October 2010.
The video tribute will take place at half time of the match between Richmond and Port Adelaide which kicks of at 8.10pm at TIO Stadium, May 28th.
NT Thunder will play the curtain raiser against East Perth as part of the newly formed Foxtel Cup.
Tickets are on sale from the Darwin Entertainment Centre by calling 08 8980 3333 or online at