**Warning** Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are advised that this story contains the name of a deceased man. Some readers may find this story distressing and/or offensive.

The death of Maurice Rioli is a devastating loss for the Tiwi Islands, say friends of the AFL great.

Rioli, a former Richmond player, was just 53-years-old when he collapsed from a heart attack in Darwin on Christmas day.

Long-time friend of Rioli, NT Labor minister Marion Scrymgour told AAP the death had absolutely devastated the Melville Island community.

She said too many strong Aboriginal leaders were dying early.

"He was too young ... Maurice was only getting started in his life."

Rioli was the Tiwi Islands' second Aboriginal leader to die in as many months.

The father of star Melbourne Demons footballer Austin Wonaeamirri was killed in a car accident in November.

Matthew Wonaeamirri was just 63.

Ms Scrymgour she said she hoped their deaths would inspire young Tiwi Islanders to stand up and become strong leaders.

She said it was only fitting Rioli, who served in the NT parliament as the Labor member for Arafura from 1992 until his retirement in 2001, received a state funeral.

When Ms Scrymgour took Rioli's seat in the parliament, Rioli danced her into the chamber.

"From that time, right until his death, I had nothing but support and encouragement from him over this nine years."

More than 600 people, including several high profile AFL figures, gathered at St Mary's Cathedral in Darwin on Friday to celebrate the life of a man who "helped pave the way for Aboriginal players in the AFL".

A procession of Aboriginal dancers led the casket up the stairs and into the cathedral.

Traditional Aboriginal song echoed from the Smith Street church, as politicians, football identities, community leaders, friends and family spoke about a man who was anything but an ordinary footballer.

In 1982, the talented mid-fielder became not only the first Aboriginal Norm Smith medallist, but the first player from a grand final losing side to take the coveted award.

He played 118 games for Richmond Tigers and spent many years playing for the South Fremantle Football Club (SFFC) in Western Australia and the St Mary's Football Club (SMFC) in the NT.

Brian Ciccotosto from the SFFC recited a poem about "Mister Magic" and his wizardry with a football.

"He was a graceful gifted player; he was poetry in motion," Mr Ciccotosto said.

Rioli's love of sport extended beyond Aussie Rules.

As well as enjoying cricket, basketball and rugby league, Rioli won several state amateur boxing titles and represented Australia in Gaelic football.

Two of the Brownlow runner-up's grandsons spoke about how their Pop, who leaves behind seven grandchildren and four children, made them laugh when he tried to dance and sing.

Mourners told stories of how Rioli was a coastal man who hated travelling any further south than Katherine, and spent all his spare time with family, hunting turtle and geese.

Rioli's family embraced the casket in the centre of the cathedral and wailed loudly for much of the service.

Rioli's nephew, former Essendon player Dean Rioli, was one of several family members who carried an offering of gifts down the aisle of the church to his coffin.

Former Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams, who played against Rioli in the AFL, told AAP the ceremony was eye opening.

"Not too many people from down south get the opportunity to attend such a very important ceremony.

"There are some wonderful things and they should be very proud of how they've sent him off."

Recently signed as the senior assistant coach for Greater Western Sydney, Williams said he and coach Kevin Sheedy would spend a couple of days in the NT after Rioli's funeral looking for new indigenous talent.

A traditional Tiwi Island burial will take place at Gardens Point on Melville Island, north of Darwin, on Monday.

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