West Coast forward Willie Rioli has praised the way Liam Ryan has rebounded from his off-field dramas, saying the goalsneak has earned back the respect of the playing group.
Ryan was handed a two-match club-imposed ban in July over an early-morning incident that ended with him crashing his car into a tree.
The 21-year-old had to win back his senior spot via the WAFL, and he's performed strongly since returning to AFL ranks in round 20.
Ryan has booted eight goals in his past four matches and looms as a key figure in next Saturday's qualifying final against Collingwood.
Rioli, who has formed a potent partnership with Ryan in attack this year, was proud of the way his teammate has fought back from the off-field adversity.
"He copped his criticism over the incident but that doesn't define him as a person," Rioli said.
"We all make mistakes. We've got our full support behind him.
"The reason why he's playing good footy is because he's doing that extra hard work off the field to get that respect back from the boys.
"I think he's earned that respect back.
"I reckon he's done himself proud to get back to where he is because a lot of people find it hard to get back from situations like that."
Rioli has exceeded his wildest dreams by managing 21 games so far this season, booting 25.11 in the process.
The 23-year-old was sidelined for most of last season with hamstring issues but has been able to steadily build his fitness since then.
Rioli, who lost a staggering 16kg a few years ago in a bid to fuel his AFL dream, boasts football royalty in his blood.
Hawthorn's Cyril Rioli and Richmond's Daniel Rioli are among his cousins, while AFL legend Maurice Rioli and former Cats/Crows goalsneak Ronnie Burns are his uncles.
Cyril Rioli retired from AFL ranks earlier this season but Willie could go up against Daniel Rioli during the finals.
"It would have been a history-making moment if Cyril was in there - three Riolis in a finals series," Willie said.
"But the name is something I don't look on too hard. I'm more focused on how I can help the team, more so than thinking of my name."
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