Games: 15
Goals: 12
Kicks: 125
Marks: 41
Handballs: 59

The Fan's Rating: 5.7/10

Some of what the fans had to say:

""What a stylish player. He really came back against the odds and played an integral and inventive role sweeping off the half back flank.""

""Brilliant when fit and going well. Seems to enjoy the half back flank more than the forward line. Would like to see him get fitter and spend more time in the middle.""

""Needs a big preseason and hopefully this will be the start of his best year. Showed his versatility when playing back but needs to be up forward kicking goals.""

""After an interrupted preseason, Dean's form off half back was sensational. His reading of the game and uncanny ability to create opportunities from nothing were instrumental in the Bombers resurgence towards the latter part of the season. Still a question mark over his endurance.""

""Dean showed glimpses of his best form across half back in the second half of the season. With a full pre-season behind him there is no reason he can't be in the top 5 of our B&F in '03.""

""Good and getting better his only problem is his endurance he was fit enough to do some very clever things but couldn't sustain the effort.""

""Had a up and down season through injury and suspension. Can be a match winner if he puts his mind to it. Need a lot more out of Dean next season he has to take the next step and be more consistent and less appearances at the tribunal.""

""Despite Dean's interrupted year he showed often exactly why he is highly regarded both around the club and by the opposition. His work across half back late in the season provided reason to think he might find a full time role in the back half.""

The wash up:
The fan's agree that Rioli showed glimpses of the form he is capable of playing and believe that a full preseason will help him achieve his best next season. A number of the fan's were concerned with Rioli's fitness levels, particularly his endurance towards the end of the game. When moved to the half-back line, the fan’s said he played some of his best football and gave the team drive through the middle. The fan's believe Rioli has what it takes to be a match winner for the Bombers, however needs to be more consistent. The fan's think that Rioli has the flexibility of playing a pivotal role in either the forward or the backline.

What Mark Harvey has to say:
""Dean was a bit of a revolution because he went to the half-back flank this year. He showed us another angle of his game that we didn't know he had - being one of the most attacking half-back flankers in the competition. However, when we are not kicking enough goals, Dean has to understand that we need him in a forward position firstly to get off to a good start and then maybe he can drift down to the half-back flank. The best part of Dean's game is the way he brings other players into the game, his skill level and the way he reads the play so well.""