In great news for Richmond, Daniel Rioli has been rewarded for his standout 2022 season with a five-year deal to see him stay at Tigerland until 2027.
The defender has been in stunning form for Damien Hardwick's side in recent times, finding a new home across half-back and adding another dimension to the Tigers' style of play.
The signing is very much a welcome one amongst Tiger fans, with Rioli transforming himself from a maligned forward into a gut-running playmaker over the course of the past 12 months.
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Defender
Disposals
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Rebound50s
Speaking to Richmond Media, Rioli exclaimed his hopes of the new deal furthering his ambition to stay at Punt Road for life.
“It’s awesome, I am basically a Tiger for life now and I would not want to be anywhere else,” Rioli said.
“Walking into the Club every day and seeing your teammates and all the brother boys I have formed strong ties with, it is pretty special.
“You get to see all your best mates, and you do not get to do that anywhere else. Probably the (other main) reason I signed as well is because I know the future is looking bright for us.
“My little uncle Maurice is coming through now as well; playing alongside him is something I never thought I would get a chance to do, it is a dream come true.”
The two Riolis have been the centre point of the Tigers' resurgence over the past three weeks, with Daniel averaging 22 disposals and one goal per game across his last three encounters, whilst uncle Maurice Jr. ranks number one in the competition for the points he has generated from his turnovers (113).
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Daniel Rioli cemented his name on the scene in 2017 after a star-studded second season at Richmond saw him win both Goal of the Year and a premiership medal, subsequently going on to win a further two more in 2019 and '20.
Across his 135 games in yellow and black, the 25-year-old has booted 98 goals however could arguably have his most influential season this year should he keep up his form and the Tigers go deep into September.
Richmond General Manager - Football Talent Blair Hartley exclaimed how thrilled the club were with Rioli's progress and his development as a person.
“Daniel has worked extremely hard since first coming to the Club and has been rewarded with success across the journey,” Hartley said.
“He has moved to a new role across halfback and has fully embraced that challenge. Daniel has worked hard behind the scenes to take his game to another level, which is a credit to him.
“We are delighted Daniel has committed his long-term future to Richmond and are excited about how he will continue to grow as a footballer, person, and leader across the next five years.”
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Richmond has one more game in the home-and-away season against the Bombers on Saturday night, with the result set to somewhat dictate who they face in an elimination final during the first week of September.
The Tigers could in theory play anyone from second to sixth, with the likes of Brisbane, Fremantle and Collingwood circled out as the most likely candidates to play Richmond.
A loss against wouldn't necessarily change the landscape, with Carlton needing to win their blockbuster against the Pies to finish above the Tigers. However, no matter which way you flip it, Damien Hardwick's side are in the very likely position of having to travel interstate for the first week of finals.