Willie Rioli’s fate in relation to a breach of the anti-doping protocols has bee sealed after the relevant tribunal reached their verdict today.
The West Coast forward has been handed a two-year ban for providing urine substitutes during a doping control sample collection in August 2019 and testing positive to cannabis in a September 2019.
However, as the ban is backdated to the date of his initial breach, the 25-year-old will be eligible to return to the field in Round 23 of this season. He can also resume training with the club on June 20, two months before he is allowed to return to the field.
Rioli ban was reduced from a potential four years to two on the basis of the Prompt Admission defence.
In a joint statement on the West Coast Eagles website, CEO Trevor Nesbitt and Rioli both said they were pleased the matter had been resolved.
“We are pleased for Willie that this ordeal is now over and he has some clarity around his future,” Nisbett said. “We look forward to him returning to the club and resuming what is an integral part of his life.
“It has certainly been very challenging for all concerned and what this case has highlighted is the need to continually educate and that the programs in place do not necessarily suit all players.
“Our club would like to acknowledge David Grace QC who handled this matter on our behalf,” he said.
Rioli said he was relieved the stress of waiting for an outcome was over.
“I am very relieved that this long process has now ended,” he said. “The stress of waiting for the outcome over a long period of time has been difficult for me and my family.
“I realise I have done wrong things and I have learned from it. I am sorry for letting people down. I am looking forward to putting all this behind me and playing footy again soon.
“I would also like to thank David Grace QC, West Coast Eagles football club, my management & the AFLPA for their support throughout this process,” he said.
