Bomber star Dean Rioli has come through his first match since round 21 last season in fine style and is now raring to get among the Ansett Cup action. Rioli played for the Northern Territory All Stars against Port Adelaide in Darwin over the Australia Day weekend. Bombers' assistant coach Robert Shaw, who was in Darwin to watch Deano go through his paces, was delighted with what he saw.

"He looked fit and moved very well. That is all you want to see from a bloke who hasn't done anything competitive since round 21 last season," Shaw said. "We are delighted with his return and he will be much better for the run. With a couple of games under his belt I have no doubt we will see the Dean Rioli of old."

Dean played all four quarters, dividing his time up between half forward and full forward. He failed to kick a goal during the match and laughed after the game saying "I probably laid more tackles than I had possessions."

But that didn't bother Shaw in the least. "I only wanted to see him move well and get through the game. He did both those things so Bomber fans can be well pleased," Shaw said.