"I watched a few highlights of dad,which was pretty good to see where I get my bits from him. I can see some bits. I don't model myself on him. I'm more a small forward obviously and just – hard,I would say."

Maurice snr won a Norm Smith Medal in 1982. His relatives began to arrive in the game – Daniel,Dean and of course Cyril – and now,with MJ at Richmond too the son he had late in life has also arrived in the game.

"Christmas Day[it's the] 10 years anniversary[of Maurice snr's death]. He would be very proud. Very proud he is at Richmond,"said MJ's mum Alberta. Maurice snr was just 53 when he died of a heart attack on Christmas Day in 2010.

"He[MJ] was very young when he came down. It was very hard. His dad wanted him to get an education. He would be very proud of him."

Maurice Rioli jnr carries his dad's name. He also might carry his dad's number.

MJ's nephew,Daniel Rioli – yes,nephew – wears it for Richmond now. Maurice snr's brother is Daniel's granddad. Both boys find it funny that Daniel is five years older than his uncle. He calls MJ"Little Unc".

The pair has already talked about handing on the No.17 and Daniel is open to giving up the number for his little uncle. At least,that is what MJ says. Friends laugh that MJ likes a joke and Daniel might not yet know that he has made the offer. But now it's in print,so consider the offer made.

It was Alberta who drove the journey for MJ to follow his dad's path to Punt Road. Maurice snr died when MJ was just eight.

The tragedy only firmed her resolve that MJ follow the dream they all had for him to get an education and see where life,see where football,could take him.

He went to Darwin for year nine and then moved to Melbourne and to Scotch College when he was in year 10. He met Max Suttle there,and they became friends,along with another kid:Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.

The Suttles became MJ's Melbourne family over the next few years. He would spend weekends and breaks there,and holiday with them. This year,during COVID-19 lockdown,he has lived with them.

"Max,MJ and Jamarra are all mates from school. They don't live in each other's pockets but they are close. He is a great kid,MJ,he is just part of the family,"said Andrew Suttle,Max's dad.

"It's pretty amazing,his mum Alberta. It makes me emotional thinking about it as a parent. For her to do what she did,it was pretty full on. She sent her son away at that age after her husband died,she wanted an education for him.

"She is tough and he is tough as well,the resilience is amazing. She has made it happen,she has been fantastic,and he has responded.

"All the challenges that keep getting laid out in front of him,and he keeps stepping up each time."

Essendon spoke to MJ a couple of times,though surprisingly didn't list him as an NGA player,despite being from their zone. They asked him in their first conversation whether he'd like to come to Essendon.

He was taken aback. Of course not. Why would he want to play anywhere else if it was his choice? He wanted to play for Richmond,like his dad. He later added more diplomatically that playing AFL was his first priority and where he played was the next concern.

"It's crazy,"he said of finally being drafted by Richmond after years and moving to Melbourne to pursue a dream.

"My dad would be proud of me,from where I came from,how far I came. I'm very proud of him."