Willie Rioli, the forward for the Port Adelaide Power, has announced his retirement from the AFL as the club undertakes significant roster changes, including the delisting of five players. The 30-year-old Rioli had a contract that extended until the end of the next season but chose to step away from the game, expressing his desire to allow younger talent to shine.
In a statement released by the club, Rioli reflected on his decision, stating, “I have given all I can to the game at the highest level. I made up my mind a couple of weeks ago that this would be my last season.” He emphasized his wish to see more opportunities given to emerging players like Joe Berry and Tom Cochrane, who he believes represent the future of Port Adelaide.
Roster Changes Under New Leadership
On the same day as Rioli’s retirement, Port Adelaide confirmed the delisting of utility Jeremy Finlayson, defender Ryan Burton, and fringe players Dylan Williams, Hugh Jackson, and Lachie Charleson. These decisions were made during exit meetings led by new head coach Josh Carr, who recently took over from Ken Hinkley.
Rioli’s retirement comes at a pivotal time for the Power, who have also bid farewell to club legend Travis Boak and recently retired Rory Atkins, a former player for Adelaide and Gold Coast. The departures of experienced players such as Finlayson and Burton create an opportunity for the club to refresh its roster and invest in younger talent.
Rioli’s Career and Challenges
Throughout his career, Rioli played a total of 109 AFL games, with 57 matches at Port Adelaide and 52 at West Coast, where he was part of the 2018 premiership team. His time in the league has not been without controversy. Earlier in 2023, he faced backlash for comments made regarding Hawthorn amid racism allegations and received a one-game suspension for a social media threat directed at Bailey Dale of the Western Bulldogs.
His past also includes a significant 18-month suspension from 2019 for attempting to swap a marijuana-tainted urine sample during a drug test while at West Coast. In a July podcast, Rioli admitted to carrying the weight of these past indiscretions, highlighting the challenges he faced during his time in the league.
With Rioli’s departure and the delisting of several players, Port Adelaide is poised for a transformative off-season. The club aims to build a more competitive team for the upcoming seasons while nurturing its promising young talents.
