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West Coast coach Adam Simpson believes relationships are key to Willie Rioli’s return from suspension

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Craig O'DonoghueThe West Australian
VideoAdam Simpson on West Coast's thrilling win against Tigers, Willie Rioli's return

West Coast coach Adam Simpson has revealed building relationships between the club’s new players and suspended star Willie Rioli will be the main priority when he re-joins the club next week.

Rioli will be allowed to resume training from Sunday and build towards being available for selection in the final round of the home and away season.

Simpson said the club had a lot of work to do with Rioli, including checking his body to make sure he wouldn’t break down.

But he said the two years away from the game meant he hadn’t even met some of his teammates.

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“He hasn’t been able to come to the club so the first part will be getting him familiar with the boys again,” Simpson told 7News.

“There’s probably 15 or 16 players he’s never met. It’s been a while since he’s been inside the four walls. He’ll start training with the guys if he can. He’ll get a tick off through his medical and then we’ll go from there.”

West Coast’s team that beat Richmond on Sunday included Jamaine Jones, Zac Langdon and Luke Edwards who weren’t on the list when Rioli played in 2019, while injured pair Tim Kelly and Alex Witherden were also recruited after the small forward’s last match.

A large group of other players have debuted for the club in his absence.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 05: Willie Rioli of the Eagles celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2019 AFL First Elimination Final match between the West Coast Eagles and the Essendon Bombers at Optus Stadium on September 05, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos)
Camera IconWillie Rioli is free to re-join West Coast on Sunday. Credit: Will Russell/AFL Photos

Rioli’s arrival will follow West Coast having the week off as part of their mid-season bye, but multiple players, including captain Luke Shuey will return from injury in the WAFL against Subiaco on Saturday. Simpson said the club was yet to decide how many players would be selected in that game.

The Eagles entered the bye on a stunning note after beating Richmond by four points on Sunday night.

Josh Kennedy kicked the match winning goal against the Tigers after marking a Liam Ryan kick, but Simpson refused to enter the debate about how far that pass travelled.

West Coast are seventh on the ladder and Brownlow medallist Gerard Healy said it was vital the Eagles take advantage of their position and upcoming draw.

“The issue is can they make the top four?” he asked on Fox Footy.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 11: Willie Rioli of the Eagles celebrates with supporters after defeating the Crows during the 2019 AFL round 21 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Adelaide Crows at Optus Stadium on August 11, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos)
Camera IconWillie Rioli will be available to play again in round 23. Credit: Will Russell/AFL Photos

“Last year they dropped a game against the Bulldogs and it cost them that top four spot. It may well have cost them a genuine crack at the flag

“They’re eight in flag contention, They’re going to lose a couple of players to retirement over the next year or so. this is the time for them to come from behind and have another genuine crack at it.”

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