Daniel Rioli was dropped after Richmond’s Round 8 loss to Greater Western Sydney following a quiet run of form from the dual premiership small forward.

In his third game back at senior level, Rioli provided one of the moments of the Dreamtime in Darwin clash last night, with his goal during the second term.

The classy finish was important for the Tigers, who hadn't taken their chances against Essendon, but it also was kicked in front of the Maurice Rioli Stand, named after Rioli's uncle and Richmond great.

Rioli finished with 16 disposals and a team-high five tackles in one of his most vibrant performances of the season. 

Post-match, Rioli expressed his delight at returning home to the Northern Territory, where he’d played for the St Mary’s club as a junior, to represent the Tigers in the special Dreamtime in Darwin match.

“Even though ‘Dreamtime at the G’ is pretty special, to get back here in front of my family and friends . . . I’m loving it,” he said on Channel Seven.

“I always dreamed about playing (Dreamtime) on the MCG and then for it to be at home . . . If you told me this last year that the game’s going to be at TIO Stadium, you’d be kidding.

“It was pretty emotional to get back here, and I’m going to treasure this for the rest of my life.

“To have family that could attend this game, it’s pretty special . . . and pretty emotional.”