https://ozfooty.net/media/kunena/attachments/1210/Sibby Maurice Willie.pngThe Rioli name is one of the most iconic in Australian football, and its deep connection to South Fremantle remains one of the Club’s most fascinating stories.
Since 1972, 12 Riolis have proudly worn the red and white, leaving an enduring legacy of skill, passion, and excellence.
It all began with the , at times unbelievable skill of Sebastian “Sibby” Rioli, followed by arguably the greatest big game player ever seen in the WANFL , Maurice Rioli , who did things on a football field that not one single other player has been able to do since - and a host of family members who made their way from Melville Island to Fremantle Oval.
The pipeline of talent continued with the likes of Manny, Lawrence, John, Cyril Jr., and Willie Sr., and extended to the next generation, with Dean, Ben, Willie Jr., Shannon, and Clinton all carrying the Rioli name onto the field for Souths.
The connection between South Fremantle and the Rioli family was shaped in the early ’70s by long-time Bulldogs official Richard Woodgate, who first met the talented Sibby Rioli while working in Darwin.
His recruitment efforts helped build the legendary relationship between South Fremantle and St Mary’s Football Club, a bond that remains strong to this day.
Now, in 2025, the Rioli name continues to grow within the Club. Young Ayvah Rioli, granddaughter of Maurice, is set to take the field in our Rogers Cup program, ensuring the legacy lives on for another generation.
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