 At the end of 2009, he was awarded the AFL Coaches Association award for Best Young Player, covering his first two years in football.He also received the Phil Manassa Medal (Goal of the Year award) for his round seven effort against Essendon, and came second in the Peter Crimmins Medal behind the club's captain Sam Mitchell.When Rioli kicked the goal of the year, commentator Bruce McAvaney described him as a "delicious young footballer" and the description "delicious" has become strongly associated with both Rioli and McAvaney.