West Coast midfielder Jack Redden can't wait to welcome back the freakish abilities of Willie Rioli as the premiership goalsneak prepares for his long-awaited return to club headquarters.
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Rioli will be allowed to train with the Eagles from this Sunday, and his two-year playing ban for twice substituting a urine sample during an anti-doping test will expire on August 20.
The 26-year-old's career hung in the balance when he was caught with cannabis at a Darwin airport in April, but West Coast decided to give him a final chance.
Rioli will need to work hard to win back the trust of the playing group during his upcoming two-month training block, and if all goes well he'll be a chance to play in the final round of the home-and-away season.
Redden is looking forward to seeing Rioli again.
"He's got a big block ahead of him. I'm looking forward to getting a fit Willie back and hopefully he can push for games later in the year," Redden said.
"Willie's a beauty. His pressure around the ball and his presence on the field is pretty amazing.
"He can do that freakish stuff to finish as well. He's a pretty handy asset, and he likes the big games.
"If we can get him fit - and if we can qualify as quick as we can for finals - it will be exciting."
The return of Rioli isn't the only thing creating buzz at the club.
Last week's last-gasp win over Richmond was the perfect way to enter the bye, and captain Luke Shuey will put his hamstrings to the test when he lines up for West Coast's WAFL side against Subiaco on Saturday.
Shuey underwent hamstring surgery after suffering his latest strain in the round-three win over Port Adelaide, and a successful WAFL return this weekend will likely see him face the Western Bulldogs in Perth next week.
"Shuey is harping about it. He's telling all the boys to come down (to the WAFL this weekend)," Redden said.
"This time around he's had the surgery and he's had a big block of training, so I think he can take confidence out of that.
"We're pretty close to full strength now, so hopefully it's a good second half of the year."
Jeremy McGovern (knee) and Tim Kelly (knee) could also return against the Bulldogs, with defender Brad Sheppard (concussion) considered a certain inclusion.
Alex Witherden, Brendon Ah Chee, Bailey Williams, and Jack Petruccelle are others who will be in the selection mix after overcoming injuries.
Australian Associated Press
