Rioli’s retirement came as no shock to Hawthorn
HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson admits he was surprised Cyril Rioli didn’t walk away from the game before the start of the season.
Rioli’s retirement on Wednesday shocked many, but Clarkson and the Hawks have been planning for life without the four-time premiership star for some time.
The 28-year-old spent time home in Darwin at the end of last year to be with his father after he suffered a near-fatal heart attack. He was granted compassionate leave again in June and again travelled with his family to Darwin.
Rioli, who has not played since Round 4 due to a knee injury, still had two years left on his playing contract.
But ultimately it came down to a choice between his com- munity in the Northern Territory and his AFL career.
And Clarkson respects Rioli’s decision.
“In January when he came back (from Darwin) I was actually surprised he said ‘I want to keep on going’,” Clarkson said.
“We were delighted with that, but as it turned out things have unfolded throughout the course of this year too. Just subtle little reminders. Whether it’s to do with illness or death in his wider community back in Darwin ... that’s the thing that he’s missed the most.
“In the Aboriginal culture, in a lot of cases, aunties and uncles and grandparents have got significant responsibilities in terms of the raising of children.
“Cyril now feels like that’s a responsibility that he needs to meet and I think it’s a beautiful responsibility.
“I applaud him and that’s why it’s so easy for us in a sense to shake his hand, look him in the eye, give him a hug and say ‘All the best. Thanks for what you’ve done here, mate, but really love what you’re doing’.”
Rioli, who made his debut in 2008, played 189 games for the Hawks and won the Norm Smith Medal for his brilliant performance in the 2015 grand final win over West Coast.