Maurice Rioli Jr building towards a big 2026 after strong pre-season returnJackson Clark
National Indigenous Times
December 28, 2025 
Maurice Rioli has returned to Richmond's pre-season training in excellent physical condition. Image: Richmond FC.Richmond small forward Maurice Rioli Jr appears poised to take his game to another level in 2026 after impressing onlookers during the club's pre-season training.
Now entering his sixth season at Tigerland, Rioli has returned to the club in outstanding physical condition, drawing positive attention on the training track as Richmond's young list continues to take shape.
The 23-year-old looks noticeably slimmer, with his improved fitness base likely to broaden his role beyond the forward half and earn him greater midfield exposure in 2026.
Rioli was trialled through the midfield at stages during the second half of last season and impressed with his pressure on the opposition and tenacity around the contest.
After a seven-match stint in the VFL where he developed his craft as an on-baller, the Tiwi man earned a recall for the Tigers' Round 17 clash against Geelong.
Thrown into the contest as the medical substitute following an injury to young gun Sam Lalor, Rioli seized his opportunity with a career-best outing, collecting 19 disposals and six inside-50s.
He followed that performance with a solid contribution in the following week's win over Essendon, before again leaving his mark against West Coast.
In that match against the Eagles, Rioli produced what many have described as the tackle-of-the-season, when he launched a desperate dive to catch opponent Brady Hough, which ultimately resulted in a Tigers goal.
Rioli said the extra work away from the club played a key role in his strong start to pre-season.
"I trained with one of my mates every second day which was pretty good," Rioli told 7News.
"It's kept me fit and I feel better for it."
He said building strong connections within the inexperienced playing group has been a major focus for the club over the off-season, particularly with Richmond continuing to field one of the youngest lists in the competition.
"I think connection (is what we're working on) because we're a very young group and we just want to get to know each other well.
The Tigers blooded a handful of teenagers into the senior team last season and will add top-ten draft selections Sam Cumming and Sam Grlj into the selection mix.
"I really like Sam Grlj, he's pretty quick," Rioli said.
"He's a competitor and hates losing, so just that side of him, it's pretty funny to see how he reacts at training."
Rioli has played 49 games and kicked 31 goals since debuting for the Tigers during the 2021 season.
He joined the Tigers under the father-son rule in the 2020 AFL National Draft after the club matched a bid from Essendon.
https://nit.com.au/28-12-2025/21940/maurice-rioli-jr-building-towards-a-big-2026-after-strong-pre-season-return
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