It was going to take more than a painful ankle injury, crutches and a moonboot to sour Daniel Rioli's first taste of AFL premiership success.
Richmond young gun Rioli is set to be booked in for off-season surgery after hurting his ankle in the grand final.
Rioli will have scans on Monday before the club makes a final call but coach Damien Hardwick admitted the 20-year-old is likely to go under the knife.
The small forward delivered trademark pressure in Richmond's 48-point win over Adelaide at the MCG, laying five tackles.
Rioli limped off late in the final quarter of Saturday's season decider.
He remained on crutches throughout the Tigers' premiership celebrations but was beaming as much as anybody at Punt Road Oval on Sunday.
"Winning my first ever premiership at age 20, it does make it less painful - knowing you've got a medal around your neck helps," Rioli told reporters.
"Definitely (still enjoyed the celebrations). I've got my family over and I was with them for most of the night.
"I can't wait to get back home, catch up with all the family and show them my medal. I'm sure they'll be proud.
"I've got no idea (how severe the injury is)."
Hardwick revealed on Sunday that Rioli "probably requires some sort of operation".
"Which is really disappointing for him," Hardwick said.
"Not too good. He's in a bit of pain."
The 20-year-old's family history in finals is incredible: Cyril Rioli, Maurice Rioli and Michael Long have all won Norm Smith medals.
"There's a bit of pressure there but obviously Cyril played in five grand finals and won four," Daniel Rioli said.
"It's kind of hard to think back about that, but when you're out there ... nothing really changes."
Daniel Rioli was correct to play down his hopes of bagging another Norm Smith medal for the family pre-match, when he tipped Dustin Martin would be judged best on ground.
But he was among Richmond's best in their preliminary-final triumph, booting four goals, and is set for a bright future according to many good judges.
"He's a special player," Hardwick said.
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