Ace West Coast Eagles recruit Willie Rioli has suffered a sickening setback to his plans for an emotional AFL debut early into the new season.

The classy small forward has seriously ripped his hamstring and could be out of action for up to three months.

Could Willie Rioli be a surprise selection for West Coast this week? Credit:West Coast Eagles

The mature-age draftee is headed for surgery to repair the torn muscle next Tuesday.

Rioli, 21, was ruled out of the Eagles full-scale practice match behind closed doors in Perth on Friday.