One of the biggest names in the AFL touches down in Katherine tomorrow.
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Star Hawks forward Cyril Rioli is a super special guest of the Big River Hawks.
And the Big River folks are keen to learn more about him.
“It seems lots of people in Katherine have stories to tell about Cyril,” Big River Hawks treasurer Lisa Alexander said.
“We want people to share those stories with you so I can tell him during a speech at our present night on Friday night,” she said.
“Lots of people reckon they are related him in some way, we want to hear their stories.”
Members of the Hawthorn Football Club are visiting Katherine as part of a series of community camps.
Ruckman Ben McEvoy is also among the party to watch the Big River Hawks Under 18s team play their final match of the season, and one of the rare home games, at Nitimiluk Oval on Saturday.
Entry to see the stars, and watch our future stars, is free.
The game at the showgrounds will kick off with the Under 18s girls team, coming off the back of a season-opening win last match, starting at noon.
The boys game will start at 2pm.
Rioli, a 185-gamer, is one of the favourites of the AFL, and of AFL fans in the NT.
He spent the first eight years of his life in the Tiwi Islands before moving with his family to Darwin in the Northern Territory, playing his younger years at St Mary's.
His father Cyril Jr. was a champion NT footballer and the brother of the star Richmond midfielder Maurice Rioli.
Essendon two-time premiership player Michael Long and another former footballer, Dean Rioli, are cousins.
Another cousin, Daniel, was a standout in last year’s Richmond premiership win.
Chantella Perera and Steph Carroll from the women’s team will also attend.
Chris McLennan
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
