After coming on as the sub in the first quarter of Saturday's clash against Geelong, Maurice Rioli produced the best performance of his AFL career in the Tigers’ 72-point loss.

Rioli was called into action early, after Sam Lalor suffered a hamstring injury.

The 22-year-old Rioli, playing his 42nd game at senior level with Richmond, and just his sixth this season, had AFL career-high numbers in several statistical categories.

He finished the match with a career-high 19 disposals, including a career-high 12 uncontested possessions, as well as an equal career-high eight contested possessions, a career-high and team-high nine marks, career-high and team-high six inside-50s, career-high three rebound-50s, one goal, equal team-high eight score involvements, three tackles and a career-high 395 metres gained.

Rioli played with great intensity from the moment he entered the playing arena, and he was impressively creative with ball in hand.

Richmond coach Adem Yze commended Rioli during his post-game media conference.

“MJ was terrific for us. He gave us a spark, for sure,” Yze said.

“It was exciting. He got some opportunity inside and had some midfield exposure.”