Willie will be joined by his cousin Ben Rioli in a one-off match when the Rams take on Congupna at the Hardinge St Oval.
A premiership player at West Coast, Willie also played 58 games for Port Adelaide beside former Ram, Todd Marshall.
Ben has been a star in his own right, winning multiple premierships at both South Fremantle in the WAFL and St Mary’s in the NTFL.
Rams coach John Fitzpatrick said the opportunity to add the Riolis to their young team was too good to pass up.
“It came about through a relationship one of our junior coaches has with the Rioli family,” Fitzpatrick said.
“We have a very young side, and we believe the chance to play alongside Ben and Willie will be a great learning experience for our players.
“It’s not often you get the opportunity to line up beside an AFL premiership player.’’
It’s a thought echoed by Rams football director, Sean Drennan who believes it might be the first time anyone with an AFL premiership medallion has lined up for the club.
“We gave up trying with Leo Barry years ago, so I think this might be a first,” Drennan said.
“Not only do I think it’s great for our playing group, but it’s also a good chance for our supporters and sponsors to watch some elite talent go around in blue and gold.’’
Willie, who is back living in Darwin and working in indigenous education, said he is looking forward to Saturday’s match.
“Ben and I have never played together, so we’re really looking forward to it,’’ he said.
“My family always told me that you need to put something back into football when you retire. Games like this are my way of doing that.’’
As part of the Rioli round, the Rams will be hosting a match day function in the upstairs viewing area kicking off at 1pm where the Riolis will do a pre match Q&A.
Tickets to the function are $100 and include finger food and drinks.
Tickets are limited and can be purchased using the link on the club’s Facebook page or in person at Frank n Beans cafe.
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