Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains the name of a deceased person.
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has expressed his intention to speak privately with Port Adelaide player Willie Rioli following an incendiary Instagram post in which Rioli shared his strong disdain for the Hawks. The feud has intensified since Port’s 30-point victory over Hawthorn during the recent Gather Round match.
Rioli, aged 29, taunted rival players by scoring two late goals and displaying the ball in front of them, provoking a response from Hawthorn’s Changkuoth Jiath, which led to a scuffle. Following the game, Rioli posted on Instagram, later deleting it, to articulate his deep-seated animosity towards the Hawks, specifically referencing pain caused to his family. "My hatred for this club goes way past last year’s antics," he wrote, lamenting the treatment his late father, Willie Snr, and his brother received. Willie Snr played for Hawthorn but never got to debut, while Rioli’s cousin, Cyril, was involved in a separate legal dispute with the club concerning allegations of racism.
Nine’s Tom Morris highlighted three main reasons for Rioli’s feelings towards the Hawks: the marginalisation of his father during his brief stint at the club, derogatory comments made by Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall regarding his father’s fitness, and the historical racial issues that have affected his family.
In light of the situation, Port Adelaide released a statement acknowledging Rioli’s emotional distress and clarifying that social media was not the ideal platform for him to express his feelings. The club has pledged to continue supporting him and his family during this tough period.
Mitchell, who has known Rioli for a long time, commented on the matter but refrained from making further public comments, signalling his preference to address these sensitive topics in private.