Port Adelaide forward Willie Rioli investigated over alleged text to rival

A Port Adelaide star has been investigated by the AFL over an alleged threatening text message sent to a rival player.

Tyson Otto

@tottodtsport

2 min read

May 5, 2025 - 6:19PM

AFL

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Port Adelaide star Willie Rioli has escaped sanction from the AFL over an alleged text message sent to a Western Bulldogs player.

As first reported by Code Sports, the star forward sent a message to a Bulldogs player where he allegedly indirectly threatened Dogs defender Bailey Dale.

Rioli and Dale were involved in a heated moment during the Bulldogs’ 20.11 (131) to 5.11 (41) thrashing of the Power in Ballarat on Saturday.

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Willie Rioli was in trouble with the AFL Match Review Officer. Photo: Fox Footy and Michael Klein.

Rioli got away with just a $1000 fine after he was reported for striking Dale off the ball during the match.

He is clear to play this weekend’s Showdown blockbuster against the Crows.

He could have been facing further disciplinary action with the Western Bulldogs reported to have begun an investigation into the claims surrounding the alleged online message.

Code Sports reported the club was expected to raise the issue with the AFL and Port Adelaide officials.

Willie Rioli takes a grab against the Bulldogs. Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images.

The AFL then released a statement late on Monday stating no further action will be taken.

“The AFL has today spoken to both Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs and while confirming it will take no further action to that undertaken by the clubs and players, it has reminded both clubs to ensure any communications remain respectful,” the statement read.

Rioli was clearly unhappy after the on-field incident and hit out with posts shared on Instagram.

Willie Rioli posted images on Instagram after the match.

Fox Footy commentator Ben Dixon said during the game Rioli was potentially going to face action from the AFL Match Review Officer.

“You can see (Rioli) trying to get away then makes contact with Bailey,” the former Hawks sharpshooter said.

“Willie was a little bit disappointed with himself when he came off the ground.

“The MRO will surely have a look at that one.”

It has been a turbulent season for Rioli after he took a brief leave of absence from the club for personal reasons last month.

That move came after he posted a message on social media sharing his “hatred” for Hawthorn.

He wrote in the deleted post: “Play with fire, you’re gonna get burnt. My hatred for this club goes way past last year antics, what they did to my dad, and my brother, is why I can’t stand them. Not the players. #Cococlub.”

The social post was met with racist backlash from users of Instagram. The AFL Players Association came to his defence after the racist comments were shared.