Willie Rioli, the Port Adelaide footballer, has found himself in hot water following allegations of threatening conduct towards opposition players. This is not the first such incident, as reports indicate he previously threatened a Geelong player during a match last season, causing distress to that player, who chose not to escalate the matter for fear of publicity.
Recently, after Port Adelaide’s defeat to the Western Bulldogs, Rioli allegedly sent a concerning message to Bulldogs defender Bailey Dale, warning him to be cautious in Darwin, citing connections in the area. It emerged that this incident had not been reported to the AFL or its players’ association until now.
This is the third reported instance of Rioli’s threatening behaviour, with AFL journalist Tom Morris stating he also targeted an Essendon player earlier in the year, leaving teammates shocked at the aggression displayed. He refrained from naming the Essendon player, respecting their privacy as the victim.
Senior figures from the involved clubs have confirmed the incidents, prompting former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire to urge the AFL to investigate these occurrences thoroughly and take appropriate action. He suggested that the league must interview all parties—Essendon, Geelong, and the Bulldogs—to understand the full context and possibly impose consequences on Rioli, stressing that threatening behaviour cannot be tolerated in the sport.
Moreover, Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd expressed concern about Rioli’s emotional state on the field, noting he has appeared angry and distracted, suggesting a potential need for him to take a step back from the game.
Overall, this situation raises important questions regarding player behaviour and the need for the AFL to establish clear guidelines to address such conduct effectively in the interests of player safety and sportsmanship.