Willie Rioli Jr may have missed out on a West Coast return through injury but his father suggests it will pay off in 2022

Willie Rioli’s return to West Coast has been put on hold due to hamstring tightness, but his father has suggested the star forward will return better than ever in the 2022 AFL season.

Willie Rioli Jr missed out on a return to the West Coast side due to a hamstring injury but his father has said he will return better than ever in 2022. Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images

WILLIE Rioli’s return to West Coast has been put on hold due to hamstring tightness, but his father has suggested the forward will return better than ever in the 2022 AFL season.

The 26-year-old was available to return against Brisbane Lions after serving his two-year ban for twice substituting a urine sample during an anti-doping test in 2019.

Rioli returned to training two months ago and was looking physically ready to make his return if not for the recent hamstring soreness.

MORE NT SPORT STORIES

New Palmerston Magpies star recruit Michael Coombes to add ‘huge value’ to team: Coach Josh Heath

How Covid restrictions will affect each of Darwin’s contact sports

The NT News looks at the talking points from Round 14 of the 2021 NRL NT season

However, father Willie Rioli Sr has suggested it may be best for his son to sit out the final game and focus on his preparations for the 2022 campaign.

“Don’t think he’ll play, his hammy is playing up and a one-off game in Brisbane when not quite right probably won’t work,” Rioli Sr said.

“I’d like Junior to do a full pre-season and get himself 100 per cent right for next season.

“It’s been a tough time for everyone, but I know Willie is keen to play for the Eagles again and he will be back better than ever in 2022.

“With the right preparation he’ll be a big player at the Eagles next season and we all look forward to that.”

The Eagles will have to beat Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday, and rely on Essendon or the GWS Giants losing to Collingwood and Carlton to grab a belated finals berth.

West Coast coach Adam Simpson confirmed he would have selected the young Rioli for the must-win match against the Lions.

“We were going to play him. Everyone we spoke to were pretty keen to get him in,” Simpson said.

“It’s disappointing, but he pulled up a bit tight a couple of days ago and unfortunately we can’t play him as much as we all want to.

“He’s got complete buy-in from our players and staff. He’s back. His suspension’s over, he just won’t be playing this week.”