THE AFL future of Willie Rioli looks even more grim after he tested positive for cannabis on a match day just weeks after his alleged urine tampering.
The AFL confirmed on Tuesday that Rioli tested positive for a metabolite of cannabis in a September 5 ASADA drug test after West Coast’s elimination final win over Essendon.
Cannabis is an in-competition prohibited substance under the code, meaning the breach could attract a ban of several years.
Rioli is already facing a ban of up to four years after allegedly tampering with his urine sample during an ASADA test on August 20.
It’s been reported that on that occasion, a frustrated and dehydrated Rioli poured a sports drink into his sample jar after being unable to pass urine for more than three hours.
Rioli is currently in the Northern Territory with family.
The 24-year-old recently posted a picture of himself and West Coast development coach Chance Bateman together in the Northern Territory.
West Coast said they weren’t in a position to go into detail about Rioli’s positive drug test.
“As stipulated two weeks ago, the club’s primary concern remains the health and wellbeing of Willie,” the Eagles said in a statement.
“We will continue to support him through this particularly challenging time to assist him while this ongoing investigation runs its course.
“We expect that these processes will take some months to complete and the club will not be in a position to make further comment until such completion.”
© AAP 2019
