Premiership-winning Port Adelaide forward Willie Rioli is retiring from the AFL after more than 100 games and 151 goals.
In a statement released by the club, the Tiwi man said he made the decision earlier this month.
"I retire knowing I've given all I can to the game at the highest level," the Port Adelaide small forward said.
“I made up my mind a couple of weeks’ ago that this would be my last season and it was great to finish on such a high last Friday night at Adelaide Oval."
Rioli said he looks forward to helping more First Nations players come through the game.
"I now look forward to playing my role in helping the next generation of First Nations' players coming through," he said.
A final season marred with controversy
Last month Rioli revealed he almost quit the game in the wake of controversies in late April and early May.
In a social media post in April, Rioli expressed hatred against rival club Hawthorn in the wake of racism allegations.
Rioli shut down his social media accounts and missed a training session after a torrent of racial abuse following the post.
In early May, Rioli faced a one game ban for an intimidating message sent about Bailey Dale to one of Dale's teammates after the Western Bulldogs defender made what Port described as a culturally insensitive remark during a game.
Rioli initially escaped any sanction but the AFL decided to probe further after reports emerged of two verbal threats allegedly made by Rioli to a Geelong and Essendon player.
Rioli apologised publicly and privately to Dale.
At the time Port Adelaide released a strong-worded statement calling for the AFL to do more to understand the racist abuse Indigenous and multicultural players experience on a daily bases.
"Willie, like many of our First Nations and multicultural players, has endured racist abuse both directly and casually throughout his career - not as exceptional incidents, but as a persistent, ongoing reality," the club said at the time.
Rioli paid thanks to his current and former clubs as well as the fans for their support over the years.
“I thank everyone who has provided me with such great support across my journey and I’ll reach out personally to all those who have helped me along the way," Rioli said.
“In particular, I want to acknowledge the fans at Port Adelaide and West Coast who gave me so much love and support."
The end of a 109 game career
The 30-year-old Tiwi man was recruited by Port Adelaide from the West Coast Eagles during the 2022 trade period following three seasons with the Eagles, where he played a key role in their 2018 premiership triumph and represented the Indigenous All-Stars in 2025.
The 30-year-old debuted for Port Adelaide in Round 1 2023 and has been instrumental in the club's top 4 finishes in both 2023 and 2024 as a dynamic goalkicking small forward.
He retires having played 109 games at AFL level across two clubs – 51 at West Coast and 57 at Port Adelaide – kicking 151 goals throughout his career.
Rioli encouraged the Port Adelaide Football Club to give more opportunities to young players.
"I want to see even more opportunities given to our young, talented small forwards at Port Adelaide in Joe Berry and Tom Cochrane," Rioli said.
"They're the future of our club. It’s time for me to step aside."
Port Adelaide General Manager Chris Davies congratulated Rioli on his outstanding career.
"Across two clubs Willie has contributed so much to the game," Davies said in a statement.
"We congratulate him on all he’s achieved at both Port Adelaide and West Coast.
"He’ll forever be an AFL premiership player."
