AFL Northern Territory was saddened to learn of the passing yesterday of NT football legend Sebastian ‘Sibby’ Rioli.
The 57 year-old passed away at Royal Darwin Hospital on Thursday 3 May after suffering a heart attack.
Sibby Rioli enjoyed a highly decorated career in Territory football, winning the 1967/68 Under 16 Hickman Medal and 1968/69 Under 18 Abala Medal for the competition’s fairest and most brilliant player.
He was a member of the 1971/72 St Mary’s senior premiership side in their classic one-point victory over Darwin Buffaloes and played 54 games for WAFL club South Fremantle in the mid 1970s including the 1975 WAFL Grand Final with brother the late Maurice Rioli.
He then returned to the Territory to coach NTFL club Waratah in 1993/94.
AFLNT CEO Tony Frawley said it was a very sad day for Australian football.
"The Sibby Rioli story is one that characterises the wonderfully unique product that Territory footy offers," said Frawley.
"Sibby enjoyed a lot of personal and team success during his time with St Mary’s and South Fremantle and his contribution not only to Australian football but also to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities leaves a remarkable legacy of which we are immensely proud,"
"We extend our deepest sympathies to the Rioli family and know that the entire football and wider community have you in their thoughts at this very difficult time".