Port Adelaide’s Willie Rioli Under Fire Over Alleged Threat as AFL Response Scrutinized

Willie Rioli Faces Fresh Allegations of Threatening AFL Players

Port Adelaide’s Willie Rioli is under scrutiny after The Age reported a second alleged threat toward an opponent, this time involving a Geelong player during a 2024 match. The incident occurred in Round 9 at GMHBA Stadium, where Rioli reportedly made a “violent, borderline horrific” remark during a heated third-quarter clash, leaving the Geelong player distressed. Club officials confirmed the incident, with Geelong’s football boss Andrew Mackie addressing it post-match. The player chose not to escalate the matter publicly, fearing media exposure.

[Image: Willie Rioli during a match; caption: Willie Rioli is understood to have allegedly made a threat to another AFL opponent in 2024]

This follows Rioli’s recent apology to Western Bulldogs’ Bailey Dale over a threatening text sent after their May 4 clash. Rioli warned Dale to “be careful” leaving his hotel during an upcoming trip to Darwin, citing local “friends and family.” The AFL and Port Adelaide handled the matter privately, with Rioli avoiding further sanction despite a $1,000 fine for striking Dale during the game.

[Image: Rioli and Dale clash on-field; caption: Rioli was fined for striking Dale and later sent a threatening text]

Backlash Over AFL’s Response
Caroline Wilson of Channel 7 criticized the AFL’s inaction, calling the Geelong incident “borderline horrific” and noting Port Adelaide players were disturbed by Rioli’s remarks. Gerard Whateley (Fox Footy) slammed the league for overlooking “community standards,” comparing it to past punishments for trivial offenses. “Threatening messages post-game should be stamped out,” he argued, calling the AFL’s silence a “glaring mistake.”

[Image: Caroline Wilson speaking; caption: Wilson described Rioli’s alleged threat as ‘violent’]

Port Adelaide, meanwhile, has reportedly “read the riot act” to Rioli, who remains eligible to play. The club acknowledged his “mistakes” but emphasized resolving issues privately. Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge supported the outcome, stating, “Willie has made a mistake… let’s learn from it.”

[Image: Luke Beveridge at a press conference; caption: Beveridge urged moving past the incident]

Mental Health Concerns
Amid the fallout, concerns about Rioli’s mental health and on-edge behavior have surfaced. Port Adelaide plans to play him in upcoming games but is frustrated by recurring controversies. The AFL reiterated expectations for “respectful communication” but faces accusations of double standards in disciplinary consistency.

Rioli’s actions spotlight the league’s challenge in balancing player welfare, accountability, and public perception. As investigations conclude, the focus shifts to whether Rioli can recalibrate—and if the AFL will tighten its response to off-field threats.

[Image: Rioli in training; caption: Rioli’s readiness for upcoming matches remains under watch]

(Word count: 650)