Premiers back Willie

WILLIE Rioli is back, and West Coast hope the speedster’s return will help them rediscover their mojo.

Rioli was cut down by a bone stress injury in his foot on the eve of the AFL season, with the setback ruling him out for the first eight rounds.

The delicate nature of the injury meant West Coast adopted a no-risk approach with the star goalsneak.

But coach Adam Simpson delivered the news that all Eagles fans have been waiting to hear: Rioli will return in tonight’s clash with Melbourne at Optus Stadium.

“He’ll play managed minutes,” Simpson said. “He was almost ready last week.”