Livewire West Coast Eagles forward is free to play against North Melbourne on Sunday after winning an appeal against a one-match suspension imposed after the opening round of fixtures.
Rioli was sent to the tribunal by the Match Review Officer and after a lengthy hearing – and subsequent 40-minute deliberation – he was cleared to play because the tribunal deemed he did not engage in rough conduct.
The incident was originally graded by MRO as careless conduct, medium impact and high contact, resulting in the one-match ban.
Rioli and Gold Coast star Matt Rowell were involved in a marking contest in the Suns forward 50 during the third term, with both men transfixed on the football.
It was a jarring collision, with Rowell winded and Rioli landing on his feet. Rioli would seconds later receive the ball through the corridor and set up a play that saw Hugh Dixon kick his first goal for the club.
West Coast football manager Gavin Bell was pleased with the outcome.
“We are obviously pleased with the decision,” Bell said. “We saw it as two players committed to the contest and we now look forward to having Willie available to play against North Melbourne.”
