West Coast coach Adam Simpson has opened up about the Willie Rioli controversy after his side bowed out of the finals.
Despite a West Coast resurgence in the third term, the reigning premiers’ defence came to an end at the MCG as Geelong kicked away in the last quarter to run out 20-point victors.
Simpson, speaking after the match, conceded the club is “hurting” for star goalsneak Rioli who has been provisionally suspended over an adverse analytical finding amid allegations he had tampered with a urine sample.
If found to have committed the violation, Rioli could be banned for up to four years.
Simpson told reporters the club is most concerned about Rioli’s mental health amid the difficult situation.