TOPIC:

The 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.



 

Southerner wrote:

The 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.



 

And let us not forget that Benny "The Jet" Vigona is aport of the Rioli family.
To me, could have been the best of all had he had the want of Maurice and even Stepehen Michael.,Ho I consider the best I have ever seen.
 

 

Benny Vigona was absolutely mercurial 
he had every skill there was 
but he just loved playing the game itself and didn't want the accolades or the fame
he lifted in the presence of TI , Maurice & Basil and he loved them like he would his own brothers
Malcolm tried to fire up Benny by placing him on a half back flank aropund 1980 / 1981
and Benny duly got goals just waltzing down the length of the paddock from there
and that was Benny just an absolute gun of a player 
and stints as a ruck rover too
he was up with Wayne Delmenico as a close recipient for the Simpson Medal in 1980 
but Maurice was just too bloody brilliant that day for anyone else to get it

Benny is an immortal at South Fremantle make no mistake
there's generations who will never forget that wizardry mate

Southerner wrote:

 

Benny Vigona was absolutely mercurial 
he had every skill there was 
but he just loved playing the game itself and didn't want the accolades or the fame
he lifted in the presence of TI , Maurice & Basil and he loved them like he would his own brothers
Malcolm tried to fire up Benny by placing him on a half back flank aropund 1980 / 1981
and Benny duly got goals just waltzing down the length of the paddock from there
and that was Benny just an absolute gun of a player 
and stints as a ruck rover too
he was up with Wayne Delmenico as a close recipient for the Simpson Medal in 1980 
but Maurice was just too bloody brilliant that day for anyone else to get it

Benny is an immortal at South Fremantle make no mistake
there's generations who will never forget that wizardry mate