Sport

Shepparton United’s Riley Onley’s AFL dream comes true

By Callum Farquhar

Nov 21, 2025

Riley Onley is heading southbound on the Goulburn Valley Hwy. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Riley Onley’s nervous wait is over.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

The Shepparton United product has had his childhood dream turned to reality, drafted by Melbourne Football Club at pick three in the AFL Rookie Draft on Friday afternoon.

Onley faced a nervous period after not hearing his name called in the first and second rounds of the AFL National Draft, but now the 18-year-old can proudly change his red and blue for - well, a slightly different shade of those colours.

Onley was touted as a top AFL draft prospect in 2025, with his inside midfield work, speed and athleticism the key traits AFL list managers and recruiters have identified as Onley’s strengths.

With his hulking frame and 195cm stature, Onley has been regarded as a Patrick Cripps prototype as a tall midfielder, but also has a point of difference with his speed.

The Demons export played one senior game at Goulburn Valley League level this year, tied up with commitments to APS program Scotch College, Talent League club Murray Bushrangers, and Vic Country championships.

Onley trained with Collingwood in last summer’s preseason.

More to come.