AFL

Rioli withdraws from Showdown after alleged threats

By AAP Newswire

May 8, 2025

Willie Rioli has made himself unavailable for Port Adelaide's Showdown with the Crows after the Power forward was investigated for threats to multiple rival players.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

The 29-year-old escaped sanction from the AFL despite sending an intimidating message about Bailey Dale to one of the Western Bulldogs defender's teammates, the day after a heated match in Ballarat on Saturday.

But the AFL decided to probe further after reports emerged of Â two verbal threats allegedly made by Rioli to a Geelong and an Essendon player.

Rioli and Port football boss Chris Davies met with AFL officials ahead of the Power's training session on Wednesday.

He won't face the Crows in Saturday night's Showdown at Adelaide Oval, pulling out of the game for his own welfare as he deals with the fallout from the week.

On Wednesday, Port president David Koch said the club was "incredibly angry" about the situation.

"We've talked pretty sternly to Willie about it and said it's just not on," Koch told 5AA Radio.

"I'm making absolutely no excuse for Willie's private message after the game.

"But you can't mix on-field and off-field comments or it will lead to places people don't want to go."

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press