The significance of the 20th Dreamtime game is enough for Daniel Rioli to shut-out the “negativity” around Richmond and talk of his own future, which he says isn’t on the table, as he and the Tigers try to muster the energy needed to compete with red-hot Essendon on Saturday night.
Rioli conceded his teammates were “dropping like flies” with as few as 27 fit players for first-year coach Adem Yze to pick this week with the once mighty Tigers suffering back-to-back losses in excess of 90 points for the first time in the club’s long and proud history.
Amid speculation Rioli, who is contracted for three more seasons, could be on the verge of jumping ship, with vice-captain Liam Baker also linked to a move back to Western Australia, the triple-premiership winner said now was the time to rally together, not talk about the future.
“I’m obviously contracted until 2027, but right now I’m focusing on this team and trying to get these boys better,” Rioli said on the MCG on Monday.
“Obviously, I’m a young leader myself, I’ve been in the system for nine years now, so I’m just trying to play happy footy, which I’m trying to do.
“All I’m focusing on is this year and focusing on getting this team to where we want to go, just to get better every day. Rocking up to the club with a smile on our faces.
“I love the Tiger Army. I’m not here to talk about what’s happening with me, it’s a special round, Dreamtime at the ‘G, playing against Essendon. It’s our 20th year and we get to be involved in such a big occasion.”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/teams/richmond-tigers/wouldnt-have-a-bruise-on-his-body-dusty-savaged-for-soft-footy-amid-tigers-claim-on-future/news-story/fff1177aa62f6dedd3002389a5c1d640
