John Riley

Who is John Riley?

John Riley is a former Australian rules footballer who played with Footscray in the Victorian Football League and North Adelaide in the South Australian National Football League.

Originally from Broadview, Riley made his SANFL debut in 1977 and by 1982 was North Adelaide captain. In 1982 he also won the club's 'fairest and most brilliant' award and took part in South Australia's interstate fixtures.

He was lured to the VFL in 1984 when Footscray signed him and made his first appearance in the opening round of the 1984 VFL season, with eight disposals in a win over Richmond. However had had not been granted a clearance by North Adelaide and the club were successful in getting a Supreme Court injunction to prevent him playing more games at Footscray.

Riley finished the season with North Adelaide and remained with the club until 1990, amassing 250 games. After playing in their 1985 and 1986 Grand Final losses, Riley was on the half back flank when they won the 1987 premiership decider. He was later named at the same position in the North Adelaide 'Team of the Century'.