-
IMPORTANT // Please look after your loved ones, yourself and be kind to others. If you are feeling that the world is too hard to handle there is always help - I implore you not to hesitate in contacting one of these wonderful organisations Lifeline and Beyond Blue ... and I'm sure reaching out to our PRE community we will find a way to help. T.
Maurice Rioli Jnr
- Thread starter Tigertool
- Start date
Thought that a bit last night too, then I had a slight rethunk about it.
Yep, Turtle's very inexperienced n might have been in the wrong spot at the wrong moment a few times, that's something that happens to all players, not just the kids.
But just as a little sideways thought, there was a few times last night and last week, where Moju seemed to run past where the contest was already lost and raced to influence where he anticipated the ball was going to be next.
Kids got lightening speed, goes from cruise to FMD in about a step and a half, if he's got that instinctive read of play unfolding then he gets into position to influence n disrupt the next passage of play, either through tackle or ball intercept.
Watched him a few times at VFL level n his two senior games n there's times when he's like a summer time dunny budgie hovering like crazy over a pile of steamers. He'll get to three or four contests in a row n pressure / harass around the ball n player brilliantly. He might not actually get the ball himself, but forces the dump possession or taps it to a team mates advantage.
Still a long way to go for the Moju obviously, but I'm very glad he's had a taste of what senior footy is like and if he's got that little touch of
Rioli / indigenous footy magic about his game we'll all be very happy fans.
100%.
Amazing 2nd and 3rd efforts from the kid who is still growing into his body. With more senior experience and preseason at the very least he's going to be a gun defensive player, he's gonna tackle and it's going to hurt.
We know he's a goal sneak too.
I would not write this kid off at all.
A bit of season's done, end of year, feel good *smile*, light at the end of the tunnel for the supporters.
A bit like drafting Tom Roach in the bad old days.
Having said that, I think MJR can play, and will be alright, he's just not ready.
Was a good investment in his future. He now knows what is required to play AFL and how hard he will have to work to be a player. Would love for Cumberland, Will Martyn and RCD to get a crack next week and experience it one final time before they go away.
His chasing and desire is admirable.
Wish he could at least take a chest mark.
Wish he could at least take a chest mark.
Last edited:
The rush was that his name is Maurice Rioli. We need to remember that as freakishly talented as Dad was, he was in his mid 20’s when he debuted in the VFL, and already played more than 150 games in the WAFL. MRJ hasn’t had any of that.
On my telly he looked like a huntsman spider scampering across the screen after a five-legged fly.
I know he is still some way off, but some highlights available of his game against Southport for anyone interested.
Sure tackles like his old man. Love that low centre of gravity with tremendous strength in his arms, making it impossible to break away from him once he locks on.
And I really rate guys who can tackle front on. Castagna is another who can. Really under rated skill IMO.
Sure tackles like his old man. Love that low centre of gravity with tremendous strength in his arms, making it impossible to break away from him once he locks on.
And I really rate guys who can tackle front on. Castagna is another who can. Really under rated skill IMO.
Certainly the best game Junior has played and stints in the center could be his go, (started there maybe 10 times yesterday), clean clearances from the oppo stopped when he was in there.
I still want him reprogrammed with an attitude of ball first rather than sweating the man so much because he just loves to tackle.
I was on the lower scale of JNR making it but yesterday was a very positive sign, his fitness levels are much improved from last year.
I still want him reprogrammed with an attitude of ball first rather than sweating the man so much because he just loves to tackle.
I was on the lower scale of JNR making it but yesterday was a very positive sign, his fitness levels are much improved from last year.
Patience here - not going to be a Rioli that makes an impact immediately. Will work his rear off. Fruits of his efforts may blossom 2024-2025.
Tony Braxton-Hicks
There are no stupid ideas, just stupid people
I'm with Caesar. Tackling is great but he hadn't been winning the ball before yesterday. A definite step up.
