It won't take long for former West Coast and Port Adelaide player Willie Rioli to pull on the boots again, as he prepares to line up for Northern Territory side the Tiwi Bombers.
Rioli announced his retirement from the AFL at the conclusion of the 2025 season, following a career spanning nine seasons and 109 games across two clubs, which included a premiership in 2018.
The 30-year-old is now firming to be in the Bombers' lineup against one of his former sides in St Mary's in Round 4 of the NTFL competition.
“It's going to be really exciting, he will give our players a real boost, which they need,” Tiwi coach Patrick Bowden told News Corp.
Rioli spent time at the Saints during his junior days and played a pivotal part in the club's 2012-2013 premiership, winning the Chaney Medal (best afield) in the decider.
He also spent time at the Tiwi Bombers before he was drafted by the Eagles with Pick 52 in 2016, as well as Glenelg Tigers in the SANFL.
The match between St Mary's and the Bombers will be on Saturday, 2:00pm at TIO Stadium.
Both clubs have registered one victory this season.
