Rioli to return to Eagles

West Coast Eagles premiership forward Willie Rioli will return to the club next month as scheduled, the club backing the troubled 25 year old despite recent indiscretions.

Rioli faced a nervous wait after the board met last week to determine his future following his arrest for drug possession in Darwin last month, while suspended from AFL football for tampering with a urine sample and failing a game day drug test in 2019.

The West Coast board led by CEO Trevor Nisbett have put their faith in the forward, who has returned to Perth and is set to resume training in late June.

'The West Coast Eagles can confirm Willie Rioli has this week returned to Perth.' the club said in a statement.

'After consulting a range of parties, both internal and external who will be required to assist with a successful return to football, the club’s Board has determined to continue to support Willie.'

'He remains unable to return to the club until June 20 and the club is still working on some of the detail around his return.'

Rioli's suspension ends on August 20, leaving the 2018 premiership player available for the regular season and finals should the Eagles qualify.

IMAGE: Fox Sports.