West Coast have confirmed their board has decided to “continue to support” troublesome forward Willie Rioli, who has returned to Perth from the Northern Territory.

Rioli is back three weeks ahead of his training ban lifting on June 20, with the Eagles hopeful his return to Perth will provide the structure and routine to keep him from finding further strife.

The club’s confirmation it will retain the premiership star comes after The West Australian and Channel 7 revealed last week that Rioli would not be sacked in the wake of his Darwin cannabis charge.

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Rioli pleaded guilty and had no conviction recorded, though the saga further angered West Coast because he failed to notify them of his charge.

The 25-year-old, who is serving a two-year doping ban for twice substituting his urine during drug tests, brought further unwanted attention on himself last Friday with a bizarre social media rant.

A foul-mouthed message briefly posted on Rioli’s Instagram account took aim at commentators after a fellow South Fremantle product, Richmond’s Marlion Pickett, was reported for striking. Pickett received a one-match ban after failing to get his striking charge downgraded.

The Eagles are planning a more detailed announcement regarding Rioli’s return to the club once they have completed negotiations with various stakeholders, including the AFL Players’ Association, about strict conditions he will have to adhere to.

Rioli will be allowed to join his teammates for training in the lead-up to the round 15 home blockbuster with the Western Bulldogs.

His suspension ends on August 20, paving the way for a return as early as the round 23 clash with Brisbane at the Gabba that weekend. Rioli could also return to the football field for West Coast’s reserves in the final round WAFL match against Claremont at Claremont Oval on Saturday, August 21.

West Coast’s statement said: “After consulting a range of parties, both internal and external who will be required to assist with a successful return to football, the club’s board has determined to continue to support Willie.”