Eagles reeling after Rioli drug test shock
DEVASTATED West Coast forward Willie Rioli faces a suspension of up to four years after an adverse analytical finding for urine substitution in a routine ASADA test.
Eagles football boss Craig Vozzo shed further light on the alleged offence when he fronted a hastily convened press conference in Melbourne last night.
“It’s something other than urine that has been produced by Willie as part of the testing process,” Vozzo said.
“He’s very, very flat. The club and our staff are really worried about his wellbeing.
“He’s not in a great space and it’s our job to help him as much as we can.”
Vozzo said Rioli’s emotional state of mind following the shock news had made it difficult for the club to accurately ascertain the details of what has occurred.
Rioli left the team hotel in Melbourne and was being comforted by family after he was informed of the potential violation of the AFL’s antidoping code late on Wednesday night.
The adverse finding was detected in an out-of-competition doping control test on August 20, with ASADA also informing the AFL on Wednesday.
While the A-sample didn’t return any evidence of a banned substance in Rioli’s system, the finding was that there was evidence of urine substitution, which is known as a “prohibited method”.
Rioli was formally notified on his arrival in Melbourne with the rest of the Eagles team set to face Geelong in a knockout semi-final at the MCG tonight. The 24-yearold was officially withdrawn from that line-up.
AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon announced the ban at a press conference at AFL House in Melbourne.
“The provisional suspension is effective immediately,” Dillon said.
“Rioli will not be eligible to compete in AFL competitions or any WADA-compliant sport, including the WAFL, while provisionally suspended.
“He will be able to train prior to final determination of the asserted code violation.
“It is important that Rioli is provided a fair process. As a result the AFL won’t be providing further detail on this case at this time.”
A joint AFL-ASADA investigation will be launched, with David Grace, QC, to represent Rioli and the club. Rioli’s shock suspension is a significant setback for the Eagles on the eve of their do-ordie final against the minor premiers.
“Our players are very emotional, they love Willie,” Vozzo said. “But we’ve got a pretty mature team and I’m confident they’ll be able to package their feelings for a couple of hours and perform at their best.”
Rioli has played 38 AFL games, including the 2018 grand final win over Collingwood, since he was the 52nd overall selection at the 2016 draft.
He is the No.1 kick inside-50 in the competition.