Richmond continued a long-reaching tradition when it handed Maurice Rioli Jnr the No.17 to wear in 2025.

The number was previously worn by Rioli's nephew, Daniel, who successfully traded to Gold Coast in the latest off-season.

But what makes the assignment more special for Maurice Rioli Jnr is that his late father, Maurice Rioli Snr, also donned the No.17 during his time at the Tigers.

Brilliant centreman Rioli Sr wore the No. 17 jumper in his first four years at Tigerland from 1982-85, winning two Jack Dyer Medals (1982-83) and a Norm Smith Medal (1982).

Maurice Rioli celebrates during the round 22 AFL match between Richmond and Hawthorn on August 14, 2022 (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Richmond Media)

Richmond icon Jack Dyer first made the jumper number famous between 1931 and 1949. The club attempted to hand captains the No.17, which Kane Johnson and Chris Newman agreed to but was swiftly denied by three-time premiership skipper Trent Cotchin when he took over in 2013, remaining in the No.9.

Rioli Jnr said it was an honour to be continuing his family's rich history at Tigerland.

"It means a lot. It's very special to me and my family, and I'm very excited, I can't wait to put it on," Rioli Jnr said.

"Wearing the No. 17 in pretty much every junior league growing up, I really loved the number because of dad.

"My nephew Daniel wore it, and my dad, of course, so it's been in the family for a while now, and it's pretty special for all of us.

Daniel Rioli during the 2022 AFL Round 19 match between Richmond and Fremantle (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

"I reckon (dad would) be pretty proud and very excited, watching me from up there wearing the number 17.

"A few Richmond greats have worn the number 17, (I'm) pretty honoured. Hopefully, I do the number proud."

Bulldogs recruits find new lockers

Talented draftee Cooper Hynes will don the famous No.6 at the Western Bulldogs, following in the footsteps of club greats Brad Johnson and Charlie Sutton.

The number was made vacant by the departing Bailey Smith, who moved to Geelong in the most recent trade period.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 08: Brad Johnson #6 and Robert Murphy #2 for the Bulldogs celebrate a goal during the round two AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Melbourne Demons at Telstra Dome, April 8, 2006 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Fellow youngster Lachie Jaques will claim the No.11 locker, previously filled by Jack Macrae.

Josh Dolan will run around in guernsey No.26, Luke Kennedyย will make No.35 his own (made vacant by Caleb Daniel), and Sam Davidson will inherit No.42 from retired Bulldog Alex Keath.

Davidson will follow in the footsteps of premiership star Liam Picken.

Former Carlton midfielder Matt Kennedy will continue his career at his third AFL club in the No.8.

Bulldogs new numbers

6 - Cooper Hynes
8 - Matt Kennedy
11 - Lachie Jaques
26 - Josh Dolan
35 - Luke Kennedy
42 - Sam Davidson