MAURICE Rioli jnr will take a step towards becoming a Richmond player when the club lodges paperwork for the prospective father-son recruit with the AFL within the next week.
Reports the paperwork has already been lodged are incorrect but the Tigers on Tuesday have confirmed that the next step in the process is a mere formality.
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They have until November 25 to file relevant forms with the AFL and stake their claim to Rioli jnr before the NAB AFL Draft in December.
Rioli jnr, the son of late former Richmond and South Fremantle champion Maurice Rioli, has the option to join one of three AFL clubs or enter the draft unattached.
The 18-year-old can pick the Tigers or Fremantle under the father-son rule, or Essendon via their Next Generation Academy.
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Rioli jnr has made no secret of his desire to play for Richmond and will almost certainly join cousin Daniel Rioli at the Tigers.
Daniel Rioli is already a three-time premiership player.
Rival clubs will still be able to bid on Rioli jnr at the draft but Richmond will have the option to match those bids to secure the skilful small forward.
Originally from the Tiwi Islands, Rioli jnr has been living in Melbourne, where he won a scholarship to attend Scotch College.