Willie Rioli facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Willie Rioli |
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![]() Rioli playing for West Coast in July 2019
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Personal information | |||
Full name | William Rioli Jr. | ||
Date of birth | 4 June 1995 | ||
Place of birth | Tiwi Islands | ||
Original team | Glenelg (SANFL) | ||
Draft | No. 52, 2016 national draft | ||
Debut | Round 2, 2018, West Coast v. Western Bulldogs, at Etihad Stadium |
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Position(s) | Forward | ||
Club information | |||
Current club | Port Adelaide | ||
Number | 15 | ||
Career highlights | |||
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William Rioli Jr. (born 4 June 1995), also known as Willie Rioli, is a professional Australian rules football player. He plays for the Port Adelaide Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). Before joining Port Adelaide, he played for the West Coast Eagles.
Willie Rioli comes from the famous Rioli family, known for many talented footballers. His father, Willie Rioli Sr., was a player for South Fremantle Football Club. Willie is also a first cousin to other well-known AFL players like Dean Rioli and Cyril Rioli. He is also the nephew of Maurice Rioli, a football legend.
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Early Life and Draft Journey
Willie Rioli grew up in the Tiwi Islands, a place famous for its strong football culture. He later attended Xavier College in Melbourne. This helped him develop his skills in Australian rules football.
Joining the West Coast Eagles
In the 2016 AFL draft, the West Coast Eagles chose Willie. He was their third pick and the 52nd player chosen overall. This was a big step in his football career.
AFL Debut and First Season
Willie Rioli made his AFL debut in 2018. It was in Round 2 of the 2018 season. His first game was against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium. The West Coast Eagles won that game by 51 points.
Playing Career Highlights
Willie Rioli quickly became an important player for the West Coast Eagles. He is known for his speed and ability to score goals. He plays as a forward, helping his team attack and score.
Winning the AFL Premiership
A major highlight of Willie Rioli's career was in 2018. He was part of the West Coast Eagles team that won the AFL premiership. This is the biggest championship in Australian rules football. Winning the premiership is a dream for many players.
Moving to Port Adelaide
After playing for the West Coast Eagles, Willie Rioli moved to the Port Adelaide Football Club. He joined Port Adelaide in 2023. He continues to play as a forward for his new team.