RICHMOND star Daniel Rioli's "whole body is crossed" for cousin Willie Rioli as he deals with separate ASADA investigations. 

The West Coast forward will watch the Grand Final from the Northern Territory when his cousin bids to become a dual premiership player against Greater Western Sydney.

The Riolis have been in contact since Willie was provisionally suspended for substituting a urine sample, and it was also revealed this week he has tested positive for a cannabis metabolite. 

"I miss him and I love him so much and he's obviously going through some tough times, but it is what it is," Daniel Rioli told AFL.com.au.

"He's surrounded by family, and that's the important thing for him. I'm sure he's going to be watching and barracking for Richmond for sure.

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"Hopefully I'll do him proud tomorrow."

The Tigers gun had no doubt his 24-year-old cousin, who is facing a four-year ban, could still come back at AFL level.

"Definitely, he loves his footy. It's the only sport he's pretty good at," Rioli said.

"He'll be back and he'll do everything he can. West Coast are supporting him with that. He should be OK.

"I know for a fact he would never do anything to ruin his footy, it was just a mistake.

"My whole body is crossed – my fingers and toes – everything is all crossed and hopefully we'll see him back out there soon." 

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After playing in the Eagles' flag last year, Willie Rioli took the premiership cup to the Tiwi Islands for the first time and his Richmond family member hopes to follow suit.

"It would be pretty special. I just want to experience it and see the smiles of my family and the whole Tiwi Islands," Rioli said.


"We just need to get the job done first tomorrow." 

Rioli suffered a broken left foot in the 2017 Grand Final, which prevented him from getting a premiership tattoo, but he plans to ink that foot and his ribs if the Tigers overcome the Giants.

Dream debutant Marlion Pickett could also join the queue to get a permanent reminder if the 27-year-old completes a fairytale with a premiership medallion in his first game.

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"I was actually pretty shocked (Pickett was selected). I couldn't believe it because the story and the path he's been on has just been amazing, and the way he's held himself," Rioli said.

"It's been a big story and … to make his debut Grand Final day, it's something unheard of.

"He deserves it because he's a ripper player and ripper bloke and I'm sure he'll remember this for life."