Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has declared that defender Bailey Dale is "OK" after there was an investigation into threatening messages from Port Adelaide's Willie Rioli.
The pair were involved in an on-field incident that saw Rioli charged with striking, and subsequently fined $1,000.
It has since been revealed that the Power forward sent a message, which insinuated Dale's safety would be compromised upon leaving the team's Darwin hotel when they travel to the Top End to take on Gold Coast, according to the Herald Sun, alarming both clubs and the league, which has now been resolved.
Rioli apologised on Monday for his actions, but that didn't stop Beveridge saying it should never happen again.
"He's OK, but he just wants to move past it. I think it's just one of those things where you wake up and you're part of a storyline that you didn't think you would be," Beveridge said.
"The sooner it's in the rear-vision mirror, the better for him (it is)."
Surprisingly, the AFL didn't intervene in the matter, allowing the clubs to settle the issue.
"Not surprised (by that), obviously Willie's made a mistake," Beveridge said.
"He'll learn from it, and we're all OK with that.
"The discretion there is important, and I think that's how both clubs are treating it. Learn from it and move on and make sure it doesn't happen again."
The AFL's silence on the matter has shocked many over the supposed contents of Rioli's message.
So far this season, three players have been fined for "obscene gestures", with Harley Reid, Bailey Smith and Nick Watson sanctioned for flipping the bird.
The Port Adelaide forwards' alleged messages to Dale don't pale in comparison, with Rioli avoiding punishment.
