Standing 192 centimetres, Rivers has lined up at centre-half back over the past three weeks. In the Demons’ win over the Bulldogs last weekend, he matched seasoned campaigners Chris Grant, Jade Rawlings and Luke Darcy.
The 19-year-old played only three games in 2003, but completed a full season for Sandringham in the VFL. Rivers was one of Demons’ most consistent players in the preseason and his good form has continued into the Premiership season.
Rivers played junior football for South Augusta and graduated from the National’s AFL Rising Stars Program. He played senior football with North Adelaide for two years and represented South Australia in the National’s AFL Under 18 Championships in 2001.
Rivers was eligible to play in the championships again in 2002, but a broken hand kept him on the sidelines. This was no set back for Rivers who was Melbourne’s second round selection (26th overall) in the 2002 National’s AFL Draft.
He was Melbourne's second National's AFL Rising Star nomination in three weeks. Aaron Davey won the Round One nomination.
