PORT Adelaide forward and West Coast premiership player Willie Rioli has announced a surprise retirement from the AFL.
The 30-year-old Rioli was contracted until the end of next year after signing a four-year deal when he joined the Power in 2022, but he has opted to retire after kicking 151 goals in 109 games.
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"I have given all I can to the game at the highest level," Rioli said in a club statement.
"I made up my mind a couple of weeks ago that this would be my last season.
"I want to see even more opportunities given to our young, talented small forwards at Port Adelaide in Joe Berry and Tom Cochrane.
"They're the future of our club. It's time for me to step aside."
The Power on Monday delisted utility Jeremy Finlayson, injury-prone defender Ryan Burton and fringe players Dylan Williams, Hugh Jackson and Lachie Charleson.
They were axed at exit meetings overseen by new head coach Josh Carr, who has taken over from Ken Hinkley.
Rioli considered retiring in the midst of controversies in late April and early May.
The goalsneak expressed a hatred for Hawthorn in a social media post in late April.
And in early May, he was banned for one game for a social media threat to Bailey Dale after the Western Bulldog made what Port described as a culturally insensitive remark during a game.
Rioli played 109 AFL games - 57 at Port and 52 at West Coast, where he was part of the Eagles' 2018 premiership.
In July, he told a club podcast he carried a weight of past indiscretions including his 18-month suspension from 2019 for trying to swap his marijuana-tainted urine sample with a clean sample in a drug test when at West Coast.
"I thank everyone who has provided me with such great support across my journey and I’ll reach out personally to all those who have helped me along the way," he said on Monday.
"In particular, I want to acknowledge the fans at Port Adelaide and West Coast who gave me so much love and support.
"I now look forward to playing my role in helping the next generation of First Nations players coming through."
