Port Adelaide are reportedly interested in unsigned West Coast forward Junior Rioli, with the two clubs meeting for preliminary trade talks earlier in the week.
The 27-year-old played 13 games for the Eagles in 2022, averaging 12 disposals per game and kicking 14 goals.
Rioli already has a multi-year deal on the table from the Eagles, per reports from afl.com.au, but is still yet to make a decision on his future, with Port and North Melbourne both expressing interest.
The premiership Eagle is no stranger to football in South Australia, playing for Glenelg in the SANFL prior to being picked up by the Eagles in the 2016 draft.
While Rioli is yet to recommit to the club, West Coast coach Adam Simpson is hoping the forward will remain an Eagle beyond 2022.
“That’s what we’re going through today (Friday),” Simpson said on SEN WA Breakfast.
“It’s not done, so that’s definitely right. I’m hoping we can get it done in the next few weeks.
“There’s always a bit to work through with Junior and where he’s at.
“What he’s gone through this year and the last three or four years has been a massive challenge for him and the footy club to be honest. It’s been a process that we’ve gone through together.”
Rioli returned to senior footy in 2022 after serving a two-year suspension for doping offences, with Simpson saying that he didn't feel like Rioli owed the club for sticking by him throughout his ban.
“I don’t know if it’s ‘owe’ the footy club, that’s probably not the right word, it just that we’ve backed him in,” Simpson said.
“That’s what we’ve done, and we’ve tried to look after his health and well being for the last two-and-a-half years.”
Rioli has played 51 games for West Coast since his debut in 2018.
