Hawks feared Rioli on his way
CYRIL Rioli’s retirement shocked the AFL community yesterday but only confirmed what Hawthorn had feared since last October.
Rioli yesterday declared time on a career that Hawks president Jeff Kennett said had transcended club loyalties and been enjoyed by all of football.
The 29-year-old will return to Darwin with a resume that includes four premierships, a Norm Smith Medal, 189 games and two runner-up finishes in the club’s best and fairest.
But while some fans had hoped he might return this year, the Hawks have been aware since last October of the pull of home.
Rioli nearly retired over the off-season, then spent time away from the club in two stints this year in Darwin with his father, known as Cyril Jr.
When Rioli confirmed to the club’s inner sanctum on Tuesday night he would retire it confirmed what they had expected for most of the year.
Cyril Jr, a St Mary’s great who won 12 NTFL flags, had heart surgery last year after suffering a heart attack in September, the latest Rioli family member to battle heart issues.
Cyril’s departure leaves only Grant Birchall and Jarryd Roughead as Hawks stars on the list to have taken part in the four flags from 2008-15.
Hawthorn legend Leigh Matthews said he believed Rioli would find his way into the AFL Hall of Fame.
“Cyril is an unusual player because he’s not a prolific player but it’s just the wow factor. He is a special things type of player,” he said.
“He has won a Norm Smith and is three times an All-Australian. That has to put you into the Hall of Fame territory.
“I reckon Gary Ablett Sr would probably have the best highlights of any player in the last 50 years, I suspect, but I reckon Cyril’s highlight reel would be pretty special, as Bruce (McAvaney) would say.”