Former AFL coach Ross Lyon believes West Coast’s reaction to Junior Rioli’s trade request was “out of line” as the gun forward seeks a return to South Australia for family reasons.
The Eagles this week were left “bitterly disappointed” after the 2018 premiership player, who’s out of contract but not eligible for free agency, informed the club of his desire to be dealt to Port Adelaide.
It included West Coast CEO Trevor Nisbett saying “we could not have done any more to support Junior” throughout the 27-year old’s doping ban that caused him to sit out the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
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The unsavoury parting words has already generated ample discussion and criticism from pundits, with Lyon the latest to join in the chorus.
“I thought they were out of line, West Coast,” Ross said on the Triple M’s Midweek Rub.
“When you’ve got a player on your list, it’s your responsibility to support him with everything you got.
“It’s not a bonus that you supported (Junior) Rioli … it’s your job, it’s your responsibility to support the player.
“I think it’s a bit rich clipping him on the way out.”
It’s believed the Power have offered Rioli a four-year deal worth around $2 million in total. His trade request comes after the passing of his father in July, with the forward keen to return to SA to be closer with his mother.
Reports state the Eagles are likely to ask Port Adelaide to include Western Australian forward Mitch Georgiades in the Rioli trade, a request expected to be shut down by the Power.
AFL Media journalist Damian Barrett also hit out at West Coast’s reaction, comparing Rioli’s situation to Luke Jackson’s, who’s seeking a return to WA and likely to land at Fremantle despite also being open to joining the Eagles.
It comes as the Dockers have reportedly offered Jackson a long-term deal that could be worth as much as $900,000 per season ahead of a blockbuster negotiation this trade period that’s expected to involve multiple first-round picks.
“Clubs get rid if players that don’t want to leave too,” Barrett highlighted on Triple M.
“I thought it was too (a bit rich) and it was strong … they did support him (Rioli) yes, and they gave him QC support.
“But he’s going for family reasons as much as it is anything else. Haven’t we as an industry taught ourselves to embrace the family component?
“Luke Jackson is leaving for family seasons. A different set of family reasons, but it’s still a family reason.”
Premiership-winning Magpie Daisy Thomas added: “You don’t give support then to have it thrown back in your face or use that as a reason (against a player).”
Rioli has played 51 AFL games since making his debut in 2018.
