Cousin’s tough times on Rioli’s mind

DANIEL Rioli hopes to do his exiled cousin proud in today’s game, saying the banned Eagle is in the best place possible.

It emerged on Tuesday that Rioli’s cousin Willie Rioli had failed an in-competition drug test, adding to allegations of urine substitution from an outof-competition ASADA test last month. Rioli has been provisionally suspended pending an infraction notice.

The cousins played against each other for the first time in

27 0 184cm 84kg First GF debutant since Pies’ Keith Bachelor in 1952; first Tiger to wear 50 since Relton Roberts. Round 22, with Willie having taught Daniel how to kick and tackle under a single street light on Melville Island in the Tiwi Islands, where Willie returned as the saga unfolded.

But while the young Tiger said it had not derailed his preparations, his thoughts were with his older cousin.

“I miss him and love him,” Rioli said. “I know he’ll be watching for sure.

“He’s surrounded by family at the moment and obviously is going through some tough times. But it is what it is. I just

23 21 204cm 106kg Ex-basketballer played his first game of football in July 2014; has played just 86 games in his life. can’t wait to see him. First things first he’s surrounded by family and he loves that — that’s what he needs. I’ll hopefully do him proud.”

Rioli, who played in the Tigers’ 2017 premiership, said the week had been “pretty relaxed” at Punt Road.

“I feel like because we’ve done it before we know the drill leading up to it,” he said.

“My first grand final ... was a bit hyper. It was exciting. But because you’ve experienced it, it sort of relaxes you.

“We should be OK.”