AFL star Rioli announces retirement

Premiership-winning forward Willie Rioli has announced his retirement from the AFL after playing 109 games.

His club Port Adelaide said in a statement Rioli, 30, said he had made the call earlier this month.

“I retire knowing I’ve given all I can to the game at the highest level,” he said.

“I made up my mind a couple of weeks’ ago that this would be my last season and it was great to finish on such a high last Friday night at Adelaide Oval.”

Rioli said he was looking forward to helping more First Nations players.

Helping emerging players

“I now look forward to playing my role in helping the next generation of First Nations’ players coming through,” he said.

His final season has been marred with controversy after expressed hatred against Hawthorn in the wake of racism allegations.

His comments saw a torrent of racist abuse that saw him shut down his social media channels.

The proud Tiwi man joined Port Adelaide from the West Coast Eagles in 2022.

He retires having played 109 games at AFL level across two clubs – 51 at West Coast and 57 at Port Adelaide – kicking 151 goals throughout his career.

“Across two clubs Willie has contributed so much to the game,” Port CEO Chris Davies said in a statement.

“We congratulate him on all he’s achieved at both Port Adelaide and West Coast.

“He’ll forever be an AFL premiership player.”