AFL rocked by ‘abhorrent and disgusting’ abuse towards Port gun

The most thrilling game of the AFL season has been tainted by an ugly response that followed the moment a Collingwood player was struck in the head.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 08: Junior Rioli of the Power kicks a goal during the 2023 AFL Round 17 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Gold Coast Suns at Adelaide Oval on July 8, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Willie Rioli has received disgusting messages on social media after an apparent swipe to the head of a Collingwood player during the Magpies’ thrilling win over the Power.

The top of the table clash had fans salivating in the lead up and it delivered in spades as the two combatants duked it out.

The Pies trailed by 17 points with one quarter to play, but as they’ve proved time and again they’re never out of it.

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The incredible contest has been described as the “game of the year” — but there has been a dark aftermath to the match with Rioli receiving a series of racist messages.

Collingwood chief executive Craig Kelly issued a statement around midnight.

That came after Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley leapt to the defence of Rioli over his part in a last-quarter altercation with Magpies defender Nathan Murphy.

With the Power up by 12 points with just over 13 minutes remaining at Adelaide Oval, television replays showed Rioli grappling with Murphy then aiming a roundarm slap to the side of his opponent’s head that knocked the Pies defender to the ground.

"No doubt that'll be looked at" - Dale Thomas.

Willie Rioli is likely to attract attention from the MRO for this 👇#AFLPowerPiespic.twitter.com/jxw2sd14eY

— 7AFL (@7AFL) July 22, 2023

Kelly said in a statement: “The Collingwood Football Club strongly condemns the abhorrent and disgusting racist remarks directed towards Willie Rioli.

“There is no room for racism in our game and we will not tolerate it – not on the field, off the field or online.

“All of us have a responsibility to call out this behaviour and our club is committed to playing a role in educating as many members of the wider community as possible.

“We stand alongside all First Nations players, staff and supporters.”

Asked about the Murphy incident shortly after the conclusion of the epic contest, Hinkley was adamant that Rioli had little to fear from the match review officer.

“There’s nothing in it, surely,” Hinkley said.

“I looked at it … it’s an open hand slipping up.

“I always say, ‘Let them take care of it’ and they’ll have a look at it if it needs to be looked at.

“But I have actually seen that one so I can say that I’ve seen a lot worse things happen.”

Rioli was one of five inclusions to the lineup that succumbed to Carlton by 50 points last week.

He missed that clash to attend a family function in the Northern Territory to commemorate the one-year anniversary of his father’s passing.

“He seemed pretty valuable out there, but I thought a lot of players had moments,” Hinkley said.

“He’s been remarkable.

Junior Rioli of Port Adelaide got plenty of the ball. Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images.

“He did what he needed to do for his late father and for his family and he came back and did what he needed to do for his football club family.

“He played really well.”

Port remains in second place on the ladder after the tight loss that dropped Hinkley’s side to a 14-4 record.

The Power led by 17 points at three-quarter time before being run down by the comeback kings in a frantic final term.

“They kicked three goals from the boundary line, which is remarkable that they keep doing it, but they do it consistently so it’s not a fluke,” Hinkley said.

“It’s a great credit to them that they take those moments.

“They’ve got a lot of experience and they’ve played those moments really well and consistently since (McRae) has been there.

“Whatever they’re doing together, they’re doing it pretty well.”

The Power must quickly shake off the disappointment of its second loss in as many weeks, with a Showdown against the Crows looming large.

“It’s never an issue for us … we want to get over it and get on with it and play the next game,” Hinkley said.

“I don’t care who we play or where we play, we’re trying to win as many games as we can so we can finish as high as we can to give ourselves the best chance at the end of the year.

“We’re going to try to play as well as we played (against Collingwood) and see if we can improve on our game.

“We don’t worry about the opposition.”

— with Jason Phelan, NCA NewsWire

Originally published as AFL rocked by ‘abhorrent and disgusting’ abuse towards Port gun