Dillon humbled, honoured by David Meade Scholarship

BENDIGO Pioneers co-captain Riley Dillon has been rewarded for his commitment to preparation, hard work, strong personal values and ability to build relationships, named the recipient of the 2025 David Meade Scholarship.

The scholarship honours the memory of the much-loved former Pioneers talent lead, who passed away in 2022.

Highly regarded in the football industry, Meade was heavily invested in seeing players and staff reach their true potential.

Awarded to a player who embodies the qualities Meade stood for, the scholarship recognises consistent preparation, strong values, competitiveness, diligence, sound relationships and exceptional planning skills.

Dillon, who was announced as this year’s recipient following the Pioneers’ 111-point win over Murray Bushrangers at the QEO on 15 July, described being awarded the David Meade Scholarship as a “massive honour.”

“I didn’t have much to do with David, but my family did. I know how well respected he was, and they (the family) speak so highly of him,” he said.

“I am incredibly grateful to receive something like this.

“It was just an awesome day to be honest.”

Dillon – touted as a potential AFL draft prospect – is the third recipient of the scholarship.

Past winners include the inaugural recipient, Richmond VFL-listed played Pala Kuma and Lucia Painter, claimed by West Coast Eagles with pick seven in last year’s AFLW draft.

The award was presented by Meade’s wife Julie and son Billy, with whom Dillon has forged a bond that has enhanced his career and helped him battle back from the injuries that restricted his previous couple of seasons.

A torn ACL at the end of 2023, restricted him to just a few finals appearances for Golden Square’s under-18s.

“A couple of seasons ago, Billy took me under his wing a little bit with some running, exposing me to that side of things,” Dillon said.

“I’d never really delved into running.

“There were lots of sessions with Billy at the track and the oval.

“I have so much respect for Billy as an elite runner and as a very professional person.”

The 2025 season has been Dillon’s first full one in three years.

He remains indebted to his coaches, teammates, friends and family for their support.

“I have had lots of support at Pios and lots of great people around me that has made it easy,” he said.

 

“My brother (Thomas) is not so lucky, he’s done three ACLs and has just partially done one again, so he’s having a tough run with his.

“I’m pretty grateful I got back and am staying fit.”

Pausing to reflect on his football journey, Dillon singled out his Golden Square teammate Jack McMahon as someone pivotal to his development in the game.

“I probably wouldn’t be where I am without him,” he said.

“He was the first person to guide me. I can’t express how grateful I am to him.”

Other strong influences have included Pioneers coach Danny O’Bree, midfield coach Jeremy Rodi and his parents Julie and Damian.

Privileged to serve as co-captain alongside Hunter Wright, Dillon can sense the Pioneers season building.

“We are starting to hit a bit of form and a bit of momentum,” he said.

“The boys are pretty excited to make a deep run into finals.”

In between Pioneers commitments, Dillon has relished returning to his grassroots club Golden Square for four appearances this season.

Billy Meade – himself a former Pioneers player – hailed Dillon as a very worthy recipient.

“While I was at the Pioneers, I got to see the way he went about it, his work ethic and his training habits,” he said.

“And I was fortunate enough to play with him as well at Golden Square in the under-18s as well.

“He showed all the attributes that the scholarship is all about.

“Riley has started developing professional habits from a very young age; he always used to join in with us older boys back when he was 15 and 16 for running sessions and kicks of the footy over pre-season.”

Dillon earned the scholarship ahead of a crack field of contenders.

“We’ve been fortunate to have great recipients all three years, with Pala Kuma being the first one, now listed with Richmond’s VFL side, and Lucia Painter, who got drafted to West Coast in the AFLW last year,” Meade said.

“They’ve all been quality recipients, and it sets the bar high.

“There was certainly another quality field of contenders to choose from this year.”