Willie Rioli tests positive to marijuana, after urine tampering

The banned Eagle hit with another career-threatening blow amid a new doping revelation.

West Coast Eagle Willie Rioli. Picture: AFL Photos

Banned Eagle Willie Rioli has been hit with another career-threatening blow after recording a positive test to marijuana after West Coast’s elimination final over Essendon.

Already facing a potential four-year ban for tampering with a urine sample in a test taken on August 20, the 24-year-old faces a further significant suspension.

A positive test to an illicit drug such as marijuana on game day can draw a maximum penalty of up to four years, which places the forward’s career in further peril.

Rioli kicked one goal and gathered 15 disposals in the Eagles 55-point demolition of the Bombers at Optus Stadium.

West Coast released a statement confirming an initial analysis of a sample taken following the elimination final had revealed a metabolite for marijuana.

The AFL has confirmed the second investigation into Rioli.

“The September 5, 2019 sample has tested positive for a metabolite of cannabis, which is an In-Competition Prohibited Substance under the Code,” a statement read.

“On September 11, 2019 Rioli was notified of an Adverse Analytical Finding for Urine Substitution being a Prohibited Method under the Code following an Out-of-Competition doping control test on 20 August 2019.

“The West Coast Eagles have been made aware of this finding and will continue to provide support for Rioli.

“It is important that Rioli be provided a fair process. As a result, the AFL will not be providing further detail on this case at this time.”

The Eagles said they will continue to support Rioli, who headed home to the Tiwi Islands after the initial scandal broke on the eve of West Coast’s semi-final loss to Geelong.

“As stipulated two weeks ago, the club’s primary concern remains the health and wellbeing of Willie,” a club statement said.

“We will continue to support him through this particularly challenging time to assist him while this ongoing investigation runs its course.

“The club will respect the process of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding this case and will co-operate fully with it.

“We expect that these processes will take some months to complete and the club will not be in a position to make further comment until such completion.”