Nervous Power forward Rioli set for Eagles encounter

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley expects Junior Rioli to battle nerves and anxiety as the small forward confronts West Coast for the first time in a competitive AFL match.

Rioli, one of the Eagles’ 2018 premiership stars, cited family reasons for leaving the West Australian club at the end of last season.

The high-profile switch came after a turbulent few years during which Rioli served a doping suspension and pleaded guilty in court to drug possession.

Rioli’s trade request left West Coast “bitterly disappointed”, according to chief executive Trevor Nisbett, who said at the time the club could not have done any more to support the talented goal-kicker.

Rioli played against the Eagles during the pre-season, booting two goals, and settled into life at Port Adelaide with three goals in round one.

The 27-year-old has since kicked 1.5 in four matches for the Power and will hope for a better return in Saturday’s clash with West Coast at Adelaide Oval.

“The first time you play against your old club, I’m sure there’s some anxiety,” Hinkley said.

“There’ll be some of that and some nerves in his preparation but he’s really comfortable that he’s a Port Adelaide player now.

“He’s got great respect for West Coast.

“He’ll be going out there against some great mates but he knows that he’s playing for Port.

“He’s got great mates at Port now and he’ll be doing his best to help us get a win.”

Port Adelaide made a big call at selection, dropping out-of-form ruckman Scott Lycett in favour of inexperienced tall Brynn Teakle.

Hinkley said Lycett – a premiership teammate of Rioli’s at West Coast in 2018 – remains an “important part” of the Power’s flag bid this season.

“Scotty understands exactly where he’s at and what’s going on,” Hinkley said.

“To be fair he’s trying, and I think Scott’s had a real crack to try and get his form back to the level that we need him at and he needs himself at.

“But we’ve probably just given him an opportunity to take a breath now and made sure that he goes back to the SANFL and just works with a bit of confidence and plays with some belief.”