He was considered as a potential top ten draft pick, and was selected to play for South Australia's Under 18 team in the National competition.

He injured his wrist in the lead up to this match, but scouts from the Melbourne Demons nonetheless selected him as the 27th pick overall in the 2002 AFL draft.

Rivers played three games in his debut season, but was praised for his job on Port Adelaide's Warren Tredrea in his second match.

[clarification needed] After a good performance in the preseason, Rivers won a place in the first team, and was subsequently nominated for Round 3 of National Bank Rising Star in 2004.

Rivers returned to form the following season, becoming the premier defender of Melbourne Football Club, and playing his 50th career game against Port Adelaide at the MCG in Round 13.

[citation needed] He was able to move forward on many occasions in the 2006 season, including the Queens Birthday Match when he kicked his first two goals in AFL football.

Goals coming Lachie Ferguson 5, David Mirra 5, Ed Greene 2, Viv Michie 2, Kenny Ong, Josh Watson, Campbell Walker, Jim Bazzani, Will Pocknee.

Considering when Jared was appointed in 2021, Collegians were languishing in the relegation zone, for Rivers to then win the premiership is nothing short of a masterclass.