Port Adelaide livewire Willie Rioli has revealed his little cousin is undergoing chemotherapy as she battles cancer.
The star AFL small forward, who was one of the Power’s best in their thrilling semi-final win over Hawthorn on Friday night, requested a trade to Adelaide at the end of 2022.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: AFL star reveals cousin’s cancer battle.
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At the time, Rioli’s request went down like a lead balloon with the Eagles, whose then CEO Trevor Nisbett admitted the club was “bitterly disappointed” to lose the goalkicker after supporting him through a two-year doping ban.
But it has now become clear that family was a key driver behind Rioli’s move to South Australia, as his little cousin continues chemotherapy treatment.
“That’s my little cousin, she’s (going through) chemotherapy over here in Adelaide,” Rioli told Brian Taylor after the game on Friday night.
“It was probably one of the main reasons (that I) came back over here, to support my family. She’s a tough little girl.”
Asked how the youngster was travelling with the disease, Rioli said “good”.
“She’s getting a lot stronger, the cancer’s kind of gone away,” he said.
“Just happy that she’s doing alright (and) she’s at the game.”
The 29-year-old’s niece, who was with his young cousin in the rooms, said it’s been tough.
“It’s been a pretty hard time. It’s been a long nine months, but it’s alright,” she said.
Rioli is part of a family with an iconic history in the AFL, having produced stars like Maurice, Dean, Cyril, and current players Maurice Jnr and Daniel Rioli.
After playing a key role in the club’s 2018 premiership, Rioli’s career almost came to an end 12 months later when he copped a two-year doping ban for tampering with a urine sample.
In 2021, he was also placed on a good behaviour bond after pleading guilty to the possession of cannabis.
Despite the indiscretions, the Eagles stood by Rioli and he returned to the AFL in 2022 to play 13 games.
“We could not have done any more to support Junior since his infraction in 2019,” Nisbett said at the time.
“We facilitated his appeal and subsequent return to football, so this decision is bitterly disappointing.
“We will put that disappointment to one side now and work to arrange a suitable trade for a player who has high-end talent, is a premiership player and is in the prime of his career, having played just 51 games of senior football.
“Junior has made his decision and while he has indicated Port is his preferred destination, we will work to get the best outcome for our club.”
Rioli ended up being part of the ‘mega trade’ that saw Jason Horne-Francis join him at the Power in a deal that included four clubs.
