AFL star Willie Rioli to learn his fate as he faces NT court on drug charges

BANNED AFL star and Territory footy product Willie Rioli has arrived at Darwin Local Court today to face drug possession charges as his AFL career remains in limbo

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BANNED West Coast star and Territory footy product Willie Rioli has arrived at Darwin Local Court today to face drug possession charges as his AFL career remains in limbo.

Rioli arrived with his lawyer around 10 minutes before his case was due to be heard and was flanked by a strong media pack as he prepared to face the Northern Territory justice system after a drug detection dog allegedly found cannabis in Rioli’s pants during a drug screening on April 23 at Darwin Airport.

The 25-year-old didn’t offer any explanation for his latest charge to the media on his way into court.

Rioli appeared visibly upset and distressed, hanging his head while waiting outside the courtroom.

He was asked by his lawyer Dominic McCormack from Darwin law firm Bowden McCormack “are you OK?”.

Banned AFL star and Territory footy product Willie Rioli arrives at Darwin Local Court today to face drug possession chargess. Picture: Che Chorley

Mr McCormack’s partner in the firm is former Richmond footballer Sean Bowden.

Rioli wore blue suit pants and a checkered blue shirt for the occasion, sporting a red and black patterned tie.

Once in the court room, Rioli rarely moved his eyes from the ground as he shifted his feet back and forth on the carpet and combed his moustache with his thumbs, at one stage stopping to check his watch as he waited for his second counsel to arrive.

Rioli’s family entered the courtroom shortly before his hearing, hugging and kissing the star and taking a seat in the row directly behind him.

Among them was AFLW Adelaide Crows premiership player Danielle Ponter.

Rioli and McCormack then exited the courtroom for around 30 minutes before barrister Mark Thomas re-entered the courtroom and requested an additional hour.

Rioli’s counsel are still waiting on a character reference with the case adjourned until after lunch at 2pm.

When Rioli appears in court flanked by Mr McCormack, he will be asked to enter a plea.

If he pleads guilty, Rioli will be sentenced today.

Banned AFL star and Territory footy product Willie Rioli arrives at Darwin Local Court today to face drug possession chargess. Picture: Che Chorley

If he pleads not guilty or does not opt to enter a plea, the case is likely to be adjourned for at least four to six weeks.

It is understood Rioli was preparing to return to Perth the weekend he was stopped at the airport but was held up by the WA COVID-19 lockdown and was attending a funeral in Darwin before being apprehended while attempting to return to the Tiwi Islands.

Rioli is facing a maximum two-year jail term or $30,000 fine, if convicted of possession.

A big press pack continued to build outside of the courthouse throughout the morning, waiting for Rioli’s arrival.

Rioli was due to appear in court at 10am.

The premiership forward had almost completed his two-year suspension for twice substituting urine during drug tests in 2019 and also testing positive to cannabis on match day.

He was due to attend West Coast training next month and was eligible to play AFL again in round 23.

West Coast have 19 days to decide whether to cut Rioli if they want to recruit a replacement during the mid-season draft.

Eagles general manager of football operation Craig Vozzo said yesterday Rioli’s AFL career was in jeopardy.

“We need to deal with the facts and the outcome from a legal process point of view. We need to find out where that lands, exactly what’s involved and what the court determines before we make a decision,” he said.

“It’s a very fine line that he’s run with these allegations for sure.

“We won’t be making anything in a rushed way. We’ll be doing it in a calm way once we know all the information, including the decision of the court and Willie’s version of the events.”