AFL backflips on Willie Rioli threat scandal as league chiefs break silence after footy's most under-fire star makes bombshell move
The AFL has handed Willie Rioli a one-match ban after the Port Adelaide star made himself unavailable for selection for their Showdown clash against the Crows on Saturday night.
The league had copped criticism from some within the footy world this week, including St Kilda great Nick Riewoldt, for initially choosing not to punish the Power forward for an alleged string of threats to other players.
On Monday, it came to light that Rioli had sent a threatening message to Bulldogs star Bailey Dale following Port's defeat by the Dogs over the weekend. The following day, multiple other allegations surfaced, claiming that the 29-year-old former West Coast Eagles star had threatened a Geelong player last season and an Essendon player during the 2025 campaign.
Power president David Koch had claimed that the club were furious with Rioli over the matter, while Chris Davies, the club's general manager, did not condone the threats but urged people not to make comment without full knowledge of the situation.
In light of the backlash this week, Riolie told the club on Thursday that he was not mentally in a position to feature in the Showdown clash on Saturday night at the Adelaide Oval.
The AFL later released a statement, saying they were suspending Rioli for one game and requiring him to participate in 'education on respectful/non-violent language and conduct'.
The 29-year-old initially escaped any sanction from the AFL despite sending an intimidating message about Bailey Dale to one of the Western Bulldogs defenders' teammates, the day after a heated match in Ballarat on Saturday.
But the AFL decided to probe further after reports emerged of two verbal threats allegedly made by Rioli to a Geelong and an Essendon player.
Willie Rioli has received a one-match suspension for his recent conduct and earlier incidents that involved physical threats against other players.
'The AFL has today sanctioned Port Adelaide player Willie Rioli with a one-match suspension in connection with his recent conduct and earlier incidents that involved physical threats against other players,' the AFL's statement read.
'Following last weekend's match against the Western Bulldogs, Rioli sent a message to a Western Bulldogs' team-mate of Bailey Dale, threatening Dale.
'Dale was made aware of the matter but having received an apology and assurances from Rioli, he did not seek any further action be taken. Having looked into the matter and after speaking with both Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs, the AFL determined in all the circumstances not to take any action in what was considered an isolated incident at the time.'
The AFL added that it had investigated two other incidents that were exposed on Tuesday, alleging Rioli had threatened a Geelong player and an Essendon star.
'In more recent days, and after the above determination, it has been revealed that Rioli had previously made threats to other players in two previous incidents.
'The AFL has investigated those incidents and has spoken to all players and clubs involved over the last 24 hours and the AFL notes the cooperation from all parties, including Rioli who made admissions in relation to his conduct.
The league added that Rioli will continue to be given wellbeing and support.
'Given the cumulative number and nature of the incidents involving Rioli and other players, the AFL has revisited its earlier decision, and it has determined it is appropriate that: 1 - Rioli receives a one match suspension and is not able to play in this weekend's Round Nine match against the Adelaide Crows; and 2 - Rioli participates as soon as possible in education on respectful / non-violent language and conduct to be prescribed by the AFL,' the statement adds.'
Rioli and Port football boss Chris Davies met with AFL officials ahead of the Power's training session on Wednesday.
But Rioli could realistically return for Port's match against Geelong on May 17 as he would have technically served the AFL's one-match ban.
'We understand in a competitive and at times combative environment, there are exchanges between players on the field, but they still need to be in the realms of respect and sportsmanship and that applies to everyone,' AFL general counsel Stephen Meade said.
After receiving the additional information about further threats, we investigated and determined Rioli should not be eligible to play this week and that he undertakes further education around a pattern of behaviour we don't want to see in any part of our game - on or off the field.
'Respect for each other, whether players, coaches, or fans, is the cornerstone of our AFL community and it is a reminder for everyone involved to treat each other with respect.'
Rioli apologised privately to Dale on Monday and again publicly on Thursday.
'With all the stress from this week, I feel it's best for me and the team that I take a break,' Rioli said via a statement from Port.
'I again acknowledge that my actions after last weekend's game against the Bulldogs were totally unacceptable.
'I say things from time to time on the footy field in the heat of the moment that I wish I didn't and I'm continuing to work with the club on managing this moving forward.
'It's not in my true nature or character to say those things and I apologise for any distress I cause to individuals or their families.
'I want to thank the Port Adelaide Football Club and all of my teammates and coaches for their support.'
On Wednesday, Port president David Koch said the club was 'incredibly angry' about the situation.
'We've talked pretty sternly to Willie about it and said it's just not on,' Koch told 5AA Radio.
'I'm making absolutely no excuse for Willie's private message after the game.
'But you can't mix on-field and off-field comments or it will lead to places people don't want to go.'
After fronting the media on Wednesday, in place of coach Ken Hinkley, Davies will again speak to reporters on Thursday night at Alberton.
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