Dean Rioli

Renowned for his goal sense and smooth skills, Dean Rioli is an indigenous AFL player who grew up on the Tiwi Islands. He was recruited to Essendon Football Club from South Fremantle.

Rioli had an ability to play well despite often being grossly overweight and unfit, and suffering continual injury-related problems. He did eventually manage to achieve the milestone of 100 games before retiring in August 2006. For his final game he brought a large number of his relatives to Melbourne to support him.

He returned to the Northern Territory Football League and continues to contribute to the game as a member of the inaugural squad of the Tiwi Bombers, the first all-indigenous team in a major competition. This team is affiliated with the Essendon Football Club where other Tiwi Islanders have played. Essendon provided jumpers and the team adopted the name ‘Bombers’.