WEST Coast supporters waiting for the debut of the exciting Willie Rioli will have to cool their jets with news he has suffered a serious hamstring strain.
The 21-year-old small forward sat out a match simulation session on Friday with what the Eagles are calling a "significant" strain.
The injury won't just keep him out of the JLT Community Series, but likely the opening few weeks of the premiership season as well.
Rioli shed 16kgs before the 2016 SANFL season and starred for Glenelg, prompting the Eagles to select him with a third round pick (No.52 overall) at last year's NAB AFL National Draft.
He shares the same exciting footy genes as cousins Cyril (Hawthorn) and Daniel (Richmond) and had impressed the Eagles throughout the summer with some having already pencilled him in the side to play in round one of the home and away season.
West Coast travels to Narrandera in southern New South Wales next Saturday for the pre-season opener against Greater Western Sydney.
