Bombers great Dean Rioli is the subject of the second episode of Dodcast. (Photo: AFL Photos)

Adrian Dodoro has gone back to where it all began in the second episode of Dodcast, sharing insights into his first-ever selection - the great Dean Rioli in 1998.

In a 17-minute episode, Essendon's GM of list and recruiting details the fan favourite's unconventional path to Bomberland, then-coach Kevin Sheedy's remarkable influence, the struggles the supremely talented Rioli faced and why Sheedy was so determined to get him to 100 games.

Scroll below for audio and an episode rundown. You can also listen and subscribe to Dodcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

16:59

Dodcast | The draftee opposition recruiters laughed about

Adrian Dodoro goes back to where it all began in the second episode of Dodcast, sharing insights on the recruitment of Essendon great Dean Rioli and Kevin Sheedy's remarkable influence.

EPISODE RUNDOWN

1:30 - Why opposition recruiters laughed at Rioli being selected.

3:00 - Sheedy's role in the recruitment of Rioli, his influence on Dodoro and how recruiting worked in 1998.

7:23 - A funny story about Rioli's arrival at Melbourne Airport.

10:40 - The go-home factor and how Sheedy worked hard to keep Rioli. 

11:53 - Rioli's pain at missing out on the 2000 premiership.

14:43 - Why Sheedy was so determined to get Rioli to 100 games.

15:30 - What earned Mark Johnson a spot on Essendon's senior list in the same draft.

Dodcast is brought to you by Orchard HRO, the club's official recruitment and list management partner.