Willie Rioli set for shock 2021 return as AFL, Eagles confirm two-year ban

TERRITORY footy product Willie Rioli Jr will be eligible to return to play in the AFL from August 20, the AFL has confirmed

West Coast Eagles star Willie Rioli could return in the 2021 finals. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

TERRITORY footy product Willie Rioli Jr will be eligible to return to play in the AFL from August 20, the league has confirmed, as the star player avoided a potential four-year ban.

The West Coast Eagle has been formally handed a two-year backdated suspension without appeal which could see him make his AFL return this year in a potential finals series.

Rioli last played for the Eagles 18 months ago in the 2019 elimination final against Essendon on September 5, 2019.

The 25-year-old was originally suspended for producing an adverse analytical finding for urine substitution on August 20 of the same year.

With a maximum penalty of a four-year ban for tampering with a urine sample the small forward was pleased to see the potential ban halved.

“I am very relieved that this long process has now ended,” Rioli said.

“The stress of waiting for the outcome over a long period of time has been difficult for me and my family.

“I realise I have done wrong things and I have learned from it. I am sorry for letting people down. I am looking forward to putting all this behind me and playing footy again soon.

“I would also like to thank David Grace QC, West Coast Eagles football club, my management and the AFLPA for their support throughout this process.”

The Eagles confirmed their star forward would be eligible to return to training from June 20.

“The tribunal found that due to there being substantial delay in the hearing process not attributable to Willie (but rather attributable to ASADA/SIA) the period of ineligibility should be backdated to 20 August 2019 (being the date of the first sample collection) as provided for in the Code,” the West Coast Eagles said in a club statement.

“Willie will be permitted to return to training from 20 June, 2021 (two months before the expiry of the period of ineligibility) and be eligible to play for the West Coast Eagles or in any AFL affiliated competitions from 20 August, 2021.

“While the process in this matter has been long, it has been thorough.

HOT NEW DEAL: Read everything for 28 days for just $1

“The AFLPA and West Coast are comfortable that Willie received a fair hearing and thank the appointed tribunal members for carefully considering the facts presented by Willie’s legal team.”