Eagles ‘bitterly disappointed’ at Rioli trade request

JUNIOR Rioli has officially informed West Coast of his desire to be traded to Port Adelaide.

West Coast confirmed in a statement late on Tuesday afternoon that the club had been informed by Rioli of his wish to be traded to the Power.

However, in a statement, the club said it is “bitterly disappointed” in Rioli’s decision.

The club referenced Rioli’s two-year ban for substituting a urine sample ahead of the 2019 finals series in outlining its dissatisfaction at the small forward’s call.

“We could not have done any more to support Junior since his infraction in 2019,” CEO Trevor Nisbett said.

“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 played 13 games for 14 goals in 2022.

– BY SEB MOTTRAM/ SEN