Daniel Rioli: Partner, Family, Salary, Career and Background

Some footballers are known for their flashy goals, others for their fierce tackles. Daniel Rioli? He’s the quiet engine of the Rioli dynasty—a triple premiership defender who swapped Richmond for the Gold Coast Suns and is now building a family of his own. This guide maps his career numbers, family tree, and the personal milestones that have recently drawn headlines.

Full name: Daniel Rioli ·
Date of birth: 16 April 1997 ·
Height: 179 cm ·
AFL games: 218 (as of 2026) ·
Position: Medium defender ·
AFL premierships: 3 (2017, 2019, 2020)

Who is Daniel Rioli’s partner?

Daniel Rioli is married to Paris Lawrence, a TikTok star and DJ who has built a following of her own. The couple tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Byron Bay in late 2025, as reported by 7NEWS. They announced they are expecting their first child in 2026.

When did Daniel Rioli get married?

Reports place the wedding in late 2025. The exact date hasn’t been publicly confirmed, but 7NEWS described it as an intimate Byron Bay ceremony with close family and friends.

Is Daniel Rioli married?

Yes, Daniel Rioli is married to Paris Lawrence. The pair have been together publicly since at least 2023, when Rioli featured her in his YouTube series ‘Rolling with Rioli’ (AFL.com.au official site).

Are Daniel and Willie Rioli related?

Yes, they are first cousins. The Rioli family is one of the most famous in AFL history, spanning multiple generations of talent. According to a Gold Coast Suns club profile, the Rioli family has accumulated a combined 745 AFL games through Maurice Snr, Cyril, Dean, Daniel, Willie and Maurice Jnr.

• Daniel Rioli is the son of Bradley Rioli and nephew of Maurice Rioli Snr.
• Willie Rioli (West Coast Eagles) is Daniel’s first cousin.
• Cyril Rioli (Hawthorn champion) is also a relative.

Is Daniel Rioli related to Cyril Rioli?

Yes, Daniel is related to Cyril Rioli through the family tree. Cyril is a fourth-generation Rioli, and Daniel is the fourth Rioli to play in the AFL, after Dean, Maurice Snr, and Cyril, according to Wikipedia.

Why did Willie Rioli change his name?

Willie Rioli initially went by Willie Rioli Jnr but later dropped the suffix. The change reflected his identity as a distinct player and is not related to any family rift. Daniel and Willie remain close cousins.

How much does Daniel Rioli earn?

Daniel Rioli’s exact salary is not publicly disclosed. However, his move to the Gold Coast Suns in 2024 involved a five-year contract, as confirmed by the Gold Coast Suns club announcement. He arrived after a career-best 2024 season where he averaged 23 disposals, four marks and four rebound 50s from 23 games, earning Richmond’s best and fairest award.

While no figure has been published, a defender of Rioli’s tenure (183 games at Richmond before the trade) and All-Australian-calibre form typically commands a contract worth $500,000–$700,000 per season in the current AFL market.

What is Daniel Rioli’s contract value?

The contract is confidential. The Suns announced a five-year deal but did not release financial terms. Media estimates suggest he is among the better-paid medium defenders in the competition.

Did Daniel Rioli date Mia Fevola?

There is no public confirmation of a relationship between Daniel Rioli and Mia Fevola. According to Wikipedia, Rioli began dating Mia Fevola in March 2018 and they separated in February 2020. However, this information is sourced only from an open encyclopedia and lacks official confirmation from either party.

The question likely arises from social media speculation in 2020–2021, when fans matched holiday photos. Without a direct statement from Rioli or Fevola, this should be treated as unverified.

What is Daniel Rioli’s background?

Daniel Rioli was born on 16 April 1997 in Darwin, Northern Territory. He moved to Victoria at age 14 to board at St Patrick’s College in Ballarat, according to AFL.com.au (official league site). He was drafted by Richmond with pick 15 in the 2015 AFL Draft and made his debut in 2016.

What team does Daniel Rioli play for?

He currently plays for the Gold Coast Suns. He was traded from Richmond at the end of the 2024 season after 183 games with the Tigers.

What position does Daniel Rioli play?

Rioli is a medium defender, known for his rebounding ability, intercept marking, and precise kicking. At 179 cm, he uses speed and footy IQ to shut down taller opponents.

How many games has Daniel Rioli played?

As of the 2026 season, he has played 218 AFL games. He became the first member of his family to reach 200 games in July 2025, as reported by NITV (National Indigenous Television).

Daniel Rioli’s career timeline

1. 2015 – Drafted by Richmond with pick 15 (AFL.com.au (official league site))
2. 2016 – AFL debut for Richmond (AFL.com.au (official league site))
3. 2017, 2019, 2020 – Wins three AFL premierships; 2022 – Named Richmond 2nd best and fairest (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
4. 2024 – Traded to Gold Coast Suns on five-year deal (Gold Coast Suns (club official))
5. 2026 – Announces expecting first child with wife Paris Lawrence (7NEWS (Australian news outlet))

What’s confirmed and what’s unclear

Quotes from those close to Rioli

“Daniel has been a fantastic addition to our group. His experience and leadership are exactly what we need at this stage of our development.”

— Gold Coast Suns coach Damien Hardwick, as reported by the Gold Coast Suns

“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome our little one into the world. Daniel and I can’t wait to start this next chapter.”

— Paris Lawrence, via her social media (cited in 7NEWS)

Where does Rioli go from here?

Daniel Rioli is recovering from an MCL injury sustained in pre-season 2026, but he is expected to return mid-season for the Suns. With a young family on the way and a multi-year contract in hand, his focus is on leading Gold Coast’s defensive unit while continuing the Rioli legacy. The implication: for a triple-premiership veteran, delivering on that investment will be the measure of his move north.

Related reading: Harry Kewell: Biography, Career, Net Worth, and Family

For more on the family’s AFL legacy, read about Willie Riolis retirement and its impact on the league.

Frequently asked questions