Willie Rioli Allegedly Left Geelong Player “Upset” Following 2024 Incident

Willie Rioli’s purported aggressive message to Western Bulldogs defender Bailey Dale isn’t the first instance of him threatening an opposing player.

As reported by The Age, the Port Adelaide star allegedly issued a threat towards a Geelong player during a match last season.

This incident reportedly left a Cats player quite distressed, although they chose not to take further action for fear of it becoming public knowledge.

Key representatives from both clubs have acknowledged that the incident occurred.

Rioli allegedly issued a threat to Dale after Port Adelaide’s defeat to the Bulldogs in Ballarat last weekend, sending a message through a Bulldogs teammate that Dale should be cautious in Darwin during round nine, as Rioli has acquaintances in the area.

The Age has disclosed that neither the AFL nor the AFL Players’ Association were informed of the 2024 incident until now.

Footy Classified is now available as a podcast! Subscribe/follow via Apple, Spotify or Google Podcasts

Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd has questioned whether Rioli might benefit from stepping back for a while.

“I’ve observed Willie Rioli — he has been playing with an edge this year. He doesn’t seem to be himself,” he remarked on Nine’s Footy Classified on Monday evening.

“We witnessed the outburst related to the Hawthorn situation, and now we have another incident here.

“You can’t help but wonder if he requires some time away from the game.”

MORE TO COME