Dean Rioli facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dean Rioli |
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| Personal information | |||
| Date of birth | 20 May 1978 | ||
| Place of birth | Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia | ||
| Original team | South Fremantle (WAFL) | ||
| Debut | Round 3, 1999, Essendon v. Sydney Swans, at the MCG |
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| Career highlights | |||
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Dean Rioli (born 20 May 1978) is a former professional Australian rules football player. He played his entire career with the Essendon Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).
Dean grew up on the Tiwi Islands in the Northern Territory. He comes from a famous football family. His uncle, Maurice Rioli, was a champion player for the Richmond Football Club in the 1980s. Dean's father, Sebastian Rioli, also played football for the South Fremantle Football Club.
Dean was chosen by Essendon in the 1998 Rookie Draft. Before joining the AFL, he played for the South Fremantle Football Club. He was even part of their team that won the premiership in 1997!
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Playing for Essendon: AFL Career Highlights
Dean Rioli was known for his amazing ability to score goals and his smooth skills with the ball. Even when he wasn't at his fittest, he could still play very well.
Injuries and Final Game
Throughout his career, Dean faced many injuries, especially with his back and knees. These injuries sometimes stopped him from playing as many games as he wanted.
In his last season in 2006, injuries continued to bother him. He only played four games that year. Dean played his 100th and final AFL game for Essendon on 26 August 2006. Sadly, he broke his wrist during that game.
Life After AFL: What Dean Did Next
After retiring from professional football, Dean Rioli went back to the Northern Territory. He continued to play football for the Tiwi Bombers in the Northern Territory Football League. He became a strong player and a leader for the team.
Coaching and Community Work
Dean also became a football coach. In 2008, he was named the head coach for the Aberfeldie Football Club. He had also been an assistant coach before that.
Beyond football, Dean runs a company called Dean Rioli Aboriginal Employment Services. This company helps Indigenous people find jobs. It is based in Essendon, a suburb of Melbourne.
Family Legacy and Board Membership
In 2009, Dean was honored by being selected for South Fremantle's Indigenous Team of the Century. His father, Sebastian, and uncle, Maurice, were also chosen for this special team.
In November 2022, Dean Rioli made history by joining the Essendon Football Club board. He became the first-ever Indigenous board member for the club. This role helps Essendon connect better with Indigenous Australians across the country.
