Riley Thilthorpe Biography

A knee injury that sidelined Riley Thilthorpe for most of 2024 has played a big role in his breakout 2025 season.

"When most people probably looked at him as unlucky, he flipped the script on it all, which I absolutely loved," former Crows skipper Rory Sloane told AFL.com.au.

"He said, 'How can I use this time to better myself and come out of this more prepared and more ready to attack senior AFL footy?'

"When most could have probably gone the other way and felt sorry for themselves, he did it with a smile on his face. The way he prepared, I think this was always destined to happen."

Riley Thilthorpe is set to be out for up to three-and-a-half months after requiring knee surgery after suffering torn lateral meniscus in his left knee sustained during the Crows' pre-season win over the Eagles.

Riley Thilthorpe will miss the start of the season due to a damaged meniscus in his knee sustained the Crows' AAMI Community Series win against West Coast.

Jordan Dawson wins the Showdown Medal after being judged best on ground in the Crows' 31-point win over Port Adelaide, but says that Riley Thilthorpe was more than worthy of the medal after the young forward's five-goal haul against the Power.

"I probably said I thought it was his medal," Dawson said of Thilthorpe.

"I was proud of him (because) you can see the work he's doing. To see him step up and play a real big boy presence was really pleasing to see as a captain."

Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks says the team will look to give more ruck minutes to Riley Thilthorpe in 2022.

"He seems to be gelling to that ruck role. He enjoys the freedom of getting up and around the ground, and he does have some weapons when he's up around the footy. When we drafted him from the SANFL he'd spent a lot of time in the ruck and he's a lot more comfortable in that position," Nicks said.

Riley Thilthorpe signs a three-year contract extension with Adelaide to remain at the club until the end of 2025.

"I've really enjoyed my first season in the AFL system and being given the opportunity to play for the Club I grew up barracking for," Thilthorpe said.

"I'm excited about the future of the Club and am happy to know I'll be here for the next four years which will allow me to continue to focus on my footy."

Riley Thilthorpe is the 2021 round 13 NAB AFL Rising Star after kicking three goals against St Kilda that included a miraculous match-winning goal over his head in the dying moments of the match.

"It feels good to be recognised, but the win on the night was more important to me," Thilthorpe said.

"My goal is to keep winning with this Crows side, keep getting picked for games and continue to improve."

Riley Thilthorpe kicks a miraculous goal with just one minute remaining to seal a remarkable come-from-behind win for Adelaide over St Kilda in Cairns.

Riley Thilthorpe makes his AFL debut for Adelaide with 16 disposals (10 kicks and 6 handballs), 5 marks, 2 tackles and 5 goals in a 3-point loss to Hawthorn.

Adelaide Crows coach Matthew Nicks says Riley Thilthorpe will make his debut against Hawthorn on Sunday.

"It's going to be a challenge for him, he's a young key-position player. It's about tempering expectation because it's not all on Riley how he performs. We're really mindful of what the expectation is we put on a young kid," Nicks said.

Adelaide select Riley Thilthorpe with pick No.2 in the 2020 National Draft.