The AFL has suspended Willie Rioli for one match following revelations he threatened multiple opposition players in a series of off-field incidents, reversing its earlier decision not to act.
Rioli will now miss Port Adelaide’s Round Nine clash against the Adelaide Crows and has been directed to undergo education on respectful and non-violent behaviour. The 29-year-old will also receive ongoing wellbeing support.
The sanction comes after the AFL initially chose not to penalise Rioli for sending a threatening message to a Western Bulldogs player following last weekend’s match in Ballarat. The matter was initially considered closed after Rioli apologised and Bailey Dale, the intended target, declined to escalate the issue.
More than a one-off
However, the league was forced to revisit the case after it emerged Rioli had previously made similar threats towards players from Geelong and Essendon in separate, earlier incidents. Those revelations shifted the league’s position dramatically.
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“After receiving the additional information about further threats, we investigated and determined Rioli should not be eligible to play this week and that he undertakes further education around a pattern of behaviour we don’t want to see in any part of our game – on or off the field,” said AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade.
“Respect for each other, whether players, coaches, fans, is the cornerstone of our AFL community, and it is a reminder for everyone involved to treat each other with respect.”
Rioli had already made the decision to stand down voluntarily ahead of the Showdown, but the league’s formal sanction sends a firmer message. All parties involved in the investigation, including Rioli himself, were said to have cooperated fully, with the Port forward admitting to his conduct.