News Maurice Rioli.

[mattys123]

I think in true xmas and football spirit, it would be more then ok to post a thread on our board in honour of the late great Maurice Rioli, who died on xmas day of all days, of a heart attack in Darwin.

RIP Maurice, one of the truly great indigenous players on our game.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/br...urice-rioli-dead/story-e6frf7jx-1225976188718

THE football community is in mourning after the death of former AFL Richmond great Maurice Rioli at 53. It's understood the three time All Australian suffered a heart attack at a Christmas Day gathering in Darwin.

To those not old enough to know the Maurice Rioli story, he was truly one of the first indigenous players, and maybe the greatest, to show us the natural flair and special skill of Australia's indigenous footballers.

Obviously two of his nephews have made an impact in the game also, with Dean (Essendon) and Cryil (Hawthorn) both making a significant contribution to our game.

I'm gutted by this, one of my all time favourite non Collingwood players.

 

[Pie eyed]

Bad news.
Commiserations to his family.
Shocking day to happen and pretty damned young.

 

[mwalker]

Terrible news. He was such an unbelievable player and a real pioneer for indigenous players.

Very sad to wake up and see that as a headline on Christmas day.

 

[Swooop]

Very sad. Was an unbelievable player.
Like a silky smooth, even more consistent version of Cyril Rioli.
He moved like a Rolls Royce...so smooth, all class
Won a Norm Smith in a losing Tigers side.
Commiserations to his family and even tougher to lose a loved one on Christmas day.

 

[magpiewarrior]

RIP Maurice Rioli
The most sublimely, skillful footballer that I have seen in my 44 years of following football.
Condolences to his family, friends and all associated with him.

 

[daics_35]

Very sad news, he was too young to die. RIP Maurice.

 

[pennym]

Gone to soon....may you be taking speckies and kicking goals in heaven...RIP Maurice xo

 

[Kirby]

This was terrible news.

What a great player. One of the most skillful I haver ever seen.