Richmond coach Andrew McQualter has come to the defence of youngster Maurice Rioli Jr, after footage emerged of him refusing to take a phone call from the coaches box, saying “it’s not a big deal.”
Despite axing him from their side that will face a 16th-placed Hawthorn on Sunday, McQualter lauded the young player’s passion for the game.
The footage showed Rioli angrily ignore the offer of the call, after he was subbed out during their 38-point win over West Coast on Sunday.
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But McQualter confirmed that the 20-year-old has apologised and the coach holds no grudge over the incident.
“I caught up with Maurice for a coffee the next day,” McQualter said on Thursday.
“We just spoke through it and he’s a young kid trying to make his way.
“We spoke the next day and he apologised and said his behaviour on the bench, he could have done it better, but we move on.
“It’s not a big deal.”
The Tigers’ interim coach, who took over from Damien Hardwick at the end of May, made the bold call on Thursday night to omit Rioli, but did praise his ferocity.
“I think everyone loved that (passion), right?” McQualter said.
“Like we spoke about, you know, the fact that he cared and he’s passionate and wants to make it and wants to do well for our team.
“You’ve got to love that part of him.”
Rioli recorded just six disposals before being subbed off against West Coast in the final term.
The Tigers face Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday, without Rioli.
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