AFL great whacks ‘poisonous landscape’ that forced Power star on leave

A Melbourne great has come to the defence of Willie Rioli and taken aim at one of the biggest issues the AFL is currently facing.

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that the following article contains the name of a deceased person.

Melbourne great Garry Lyon has vehemently defended Port Adelaide’s Willie Rioli, as he works through his taking of personal leave after being subject to racist and homophobic abuse online.

After Sunday night’s emotional semi-final re-match against Hawthorn, the Power forward took to Instagram with a now-deleted story professing his “hatred” for the Hawks

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The post showed Rioli’s cheeky pre-goal celebration, with the caption: “Play with fire, you’re gonna get burnt. My hatred for this club goes way pass last year antics, what they did to my dad, and my brother, is why I can’t stand them. Not the players. #Cococlub.”

Rioli’s late father Willie Snr, who passed away in 2022, was on Hawthorn’s playing list in the 1991 season but didn’t play a game. Rioli’s cousin, Cyril, was the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against Hawthorn that was settled last year.

Willie is on leave from the club. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Speaking on Tuesday night to Fox Footy’s AFL 360, co-host Lyon expressed his filth at yet another example of just how far society has to go before equality is achieved.

“The worst thing about this, is that it doesn’t surprise me in the least. Social media is just a poisonous landscape,” Lyon said.

“Thankfully it’s a minority, but it is there.

“Unfortunately, I can imagine the worst of what society brings to the table. For a young man to have to confront that is horrendous. I can’t for the life of me work out why anyone would subject themselves to the opinions of trolls; who have no place in society for some of the things they do.

“I’ll get trolled for saying that ... (but) come on, aren’t we better than that? Unfortunately, we’re not.”

In a statement released on Monday evening, the Power fully supported their gun forward, but acknowledged a more appropriate forum for him to express his feelings would have been preferred.

Garry Lyon came to the defence of Willie Rioli.

“Willie Rioli and his family continue to carry deep-seated pain and sadness from past family experiences,” the Power said.

“Despite the depth of feeling Willie and his family have, social media was not the appropriate forum for Willie to share his emotions last night. Willie understands this.

“Willie’s welfare remains our priority and the club will continue to provide support for Willie and his family through this time.”

Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell spoke briefly on the situation on Nine’s Footy Classified, noting that he hoped to sit down with Willie Rioli in a private setting down the track.

Lyon ended discussion on AFL 360 by reiterating that Rioli shouldn’t be held accountable for any abuse drawn after his post.

“He posted on social media something emotional to him. We can’t be blaming him for what happened subsequently, because you can’t put yourself in Willie’s position,” Lyon added.

“It’s one of the few areas of AFL life that disappoints me, and makes me feel not proud to be involved in the industry when this stuff happens.”

Rioli is expected to take the field this Sunday against Sydney at the MCG, however the Power have stressed that they will let him take as much time away from the club as necessary.

Originally published as AFL great whacks ‘poisonous landscape’ that forced Power star on leave