Port Adelaide Chief Raises Significant AFL Concerns as Coach Defends Banned Willie Rioli

Port Adelaide’s football director acknowledges that Willie Rioli has erred, yet expresses concern that “casual racism” often emerges in narratives like this within the AFL.

Rioli received a one-match suspension on Thursday following reports of several instances where the Power forward allegedly threatened or exhibited aggressive behaviour towards rival players.

The most recent episode, involving Western Bulldogs’ Bailey Dale last weekend, occurred just weeks after Rioli took a brief hiatus from football due to a wave of racist abuse directed at him on social media.

The Dale incident gained significant media attention over the weekend, but it wasn’t until Monday evening that two additional allegations against Rioli came to light, reportedly surprising the AFL.

In response to growing pressure to address these issues, the league intervened and ruled the star out of Saturday night’s Adelaide Showdown.

Power’s football chief, Chris Davies, commented that some of the narratives surrounding Rioli feel problematic.

“I believe that the criticism directed at Willie has been excessive,” Davies shared with the ABC.

“We attempted to convey this in the club statement, emphasising that… we think there are still significant issues within the AFL concerning how some events are represented by the media.”

“Throughout my time in the sport, I’ve perceived instances of casual racism woven into some of these discussions.”

“If the AFL intends to delve into incidents occurring on the field, there are broader conversations that need to occur.”

While previous allegations against Rioli were said to have transpired during games, the threat towards Dale was made post-match.

Rioli reportedly sent a message to one of Dale’s teammates warning him against leaving his hotel in Darwin this week, as Rioli has connections in the Northern Territory city.

Power’s coach Ken Hinkley expressed concerns that the AFL is treading into complicated territory with the decision to suspend Rioli.

“I believe this could raise some issues for the AFL,” Hinkley told reporters on Friday.

Rioli is set to return to play against Geelong next week.

Last year, it was against Cats player Brad Close that another contentious remark was made by Rioli.

Hinkley doubts that any Geelong players will seek retribution.

“I would think it’s unlikely that anyone would take that approach given the AFL’s current stance on comments made during matches,” Hinkley expressed. “Willie has our full support, as he always has, and he understands he must improve. He recognises this, and I think he has openly acknowledged the need for personal growth.”