Richmond small forward Maurice Rioli produced two of the best defensive acts you could ever see on an AFL field in the Round 19 clash with West Coast at Optus Stadium.
He had an amazing chase-down tackle on Brady Hough late in the first quarter and a tremendous smother to Harry Edwards’ kick during the second quarter, and a follow-up short pass to Tigers captain Toby Nankervis, who subsequently goaled.
Here, in Rioli’s own words, is what he told Richmond Media post-match about those incredibly inspirational efforts, and why he enjoys that side of the game so much.
On his chase-down tackle
“I just saw him out there by himself in the middle and I thought I’d just give it a crack and hopefully I’ll get to him. Obviously, I got to him, and it was an unreal feeling. Teammates getting around me made it pretty special as well.”
On his smother
“It was a big, key defender, so I thought he was going to get the ball away. I thought I’d go through the smother here and I read it pretty well. I was going to have a shot until I saw Toby (Nankervis) there, so I thought I’d just give it to him, the skipper, and thankfully he finished the goal.”
On his forward pressure proficiency
“It just comes on instinct. When I’m out there I just play, and those things come. That’s what I bring to the team, and I just love doing that kind of stuff, those kind of acts. It’s pretty special.”
