Paul Hasleby says a move to Richmond makes sense for West Coast’s Willie Rioli.
The 27-year-old 2018 premiership forward is yet to sign a new contract with the Eagles despite the fact they have reportedly offered him a two-year deal to remain.
There is an obvious link to the Tigers given that Willie’s family members Daniel and Maurice Rioli play for the club.
Hasleby wrote about the Rioli situation in an article for The West Australian and further explained his thoughts on SEN WA Breakfast on Thursday.
“It’s just strange at this time of year, you look at the uncontracted players and Willie Rioli is still there,” said Hasleby.
“The West Coast Eagles need A-grade players, or potential A-grade players, under the age of 30 that are going to take the club forward.
“But still as we sit right now with two weeks to go, he remains unsigned. I think there’s a contract offer in front of him.
“The article is just about that. What are his options? Is he looking at his options? Are West Coast looking at their options with Willie? Because he has does have some trade currency.”
Rioli has been back playing for the Eagles in 2022 after a two-year doping ban.
While Hasleby would like to see him stay in Perth, he would not begrudge him moving to Melbourne to be closer to family.
All of this, of course, depends on if Richmond is actually interested.
“I hope he stays and finishes his career here and gets back to what he was. He just hasn’t been at that magnificent level,” Hasleby added.
“For a long time I’ve believed that he was the difference between them not winning more premierships or playing in more Grand Finals after 2018 because of his absence. He’s that important to them.
“It was expected after two years off that he probably wouldn’t get to that level straight away. With another pre-season he could do that here.
“Or you look at other clubs. I look at Richmond and I look at all the players that they’ve targeted in recent times - Marlion Pickett, Matthew Parker as well, and you’ve seen Shai Bolton and what he’s done this year.
“Could they do it again with Willie Rioli?
“With what’s happened with his family circumstances and his old man passing away, being close to family, cousins, nephews, it makes a lot of sense to go there.
“Maybe Damien Hardwick can get the absolute best out of him.
“Clearly he may be thinking like that, maybe I’ve made it up, but I think there’s an avenue there for him to take his time and select what’s best for Willie.”
Hasleby does not believe Rioli owes anything to the Eagles despite them supporting him through his two years out of the game.
“All these people would have their own opinion on Willie and the West Coast Eagles and that he owes them for what they’ve been through,” he said further.
“I don’t think it’s about that. I think he needs to make the right decision for him and his family going forward that’s going to give him the best chance of being happy, first and foremost, but then getting back to the level he was at prior to his ban.”
Rioli played his 50th game for West Coast in last Sunday’s loss to Adelaide. He has kicked 60 goals for the club.