HIS FAMOUS surname meant West Coast goalsneak Willie Rioli was always going to carry expectation into his AFL career.
But the exciting 23-year-old small forward has taken everything in his stride in his first season, and Rioli is trying not to overthink things before he follows in family members' footsteps on the September stage.
His uncle Maurice, the Richmond great and 1982 Norm Smith medallist, was the trailblazer for the Rioli clan, lighting up the then-VFL after switching from South Fremantle.
MEGA-PREVIEW West Coast v Collingwood
But recently retired Hawthorn superstar Cyril and Tigers young gun Daniel have also created their own slices of history as premiership heroes.
Rioli told AFL.com.au he was "definitely pinching myself" at becoming the next in line to play finals football, but was focused on playing his part in the Eagles' bid to overcome Collingwood in a qualifying final at Optus Stadium.
"I don't really want to get overawed by the name. I really just want to go out there and play my role for the team," Rioli said.
"But then again, it is a privilege and unique experience to have our family name playing – and this time two (including Daniel) – when it's normally only been one (Cyril) for the last decade.
"It's something me and Daniel spoke about and said it's pretty special to have two Riolis for the first time to play in a finals series together.
"I don't want to think too hard at it (the Rioli history) but it's something that's going to be there.
"As long as I give it my all, that's going to hold me in good stead."
After his first season in the west was wrecked by hamstring issues, Rioli has emerged as a future star and showcased his skills booting 25 goals in 21 games this year.
But the trimmed-down small forward's chase and tackle pressure, deft taps and toughness have been just as eye-catching.
The Eagles addressed a glaring need for speed and flair at ground level by drafting Rioli in 2016 and high-flying Liam Ryan last year, adding some much-needed spark in attack.
"It's taken us a couple of games to get into the groove but we've both got that explosiveness, and he's a flyer and I'm a crumber, so that's what I like about our match-up," Rioli said.
"The best thing I've loved about Liam's game is his defensive work.
"If we get that extra run-down tackle, smother or knock-on, we're helping the team amazingly.
"I love playing with him, he's got so many tricks and you don't know what he's going to pull out.
"I'd hate to be a defender playing on us, you don't know what's going to happen."
Willie Rioli and Liam Ryan have formed a lethal partnership in attack this season. Picture: AFL Photos
"It also brings the energy up in the changerooms. It brings that enjoyment to the club.
"If we're 20 points down or three points up, we still want to enjoy it."
