Northern Territory Thunder Academy coach Jason Roe is confident new Richmond recruit Maurice Rioli Jr will live up to the hype associated with one of the most famous surnames in the game’s history.

Rioli, the son of Maurice Rioli Sr, who played 118 games for Richmond from 1982-87, winning two Jack Dyer Medals (1982 and 1983) along with a Norm Smith Medal (1982), and the uncle of triple Tigers premiership player Daniel Rioli, was selected by the Club at pick 51 overall in last week’s AFL national draft.

Roe, a former AFL player with Brisbane, and now a highly-regarded coach, believes the talented, 18-year-old small forward, who starred at senior level with St Mary’s in the NTFL, has what it takes to succeed at the game’s highest level.

“Maurice Jr is an exciting get for Richmond with his proven speed, agility and appetite for hard work,” Roe said.

“Maurice loves to prey on his opponents and pounce when they least expect it . . .

“We are confident he will do the family name and the Territory proud.”