DARREN MONCRIEFF
Tuesday 14 February 2012
THE notion of giving back to footy is a concept former Essendon utility Dean Rioli is quite familiar with.
Rioli, 33, has been appointed player liaison officer and assistant coach to Territory football club, NT Thunder, for the 2012 season.
Having played 100 games in the AFL under legendary coach Kevin Sheedy, following a succcessful WAFL career with South Fremantle, Rioli (pictured) will draw on his extensive football experience in his dual roles at the NT club.
"I want to help Territory players with their personal development and goals of striving to play AFL football," he said.
"In my role as Thunder's player liaison officer I can assist the players one-on-one with their football goals but just as important helping them with life balance in work, sport and family commitments.
"I have also committed to an assistant coaching role with the senior Thunder team that will allow me to pursue my coaching endeavours at a professional level and develop my skills that will assist me in my role with the Darwin Buffaloes during the NTFL season.
"I am looking forward to the challenge."
The Thunder swept all before it in the North East Australian Football League, first winning its conference premiership in the old Queensland Australian Football League, then the cross-conference title in Alice Springs.
Rioli's appointment to the Thunder comes after he took on the role of assistant coach at NTFL club Darwin Buffaloes for the 2012/13 season.
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Last Modified on 15/02/2012 00:05