Cyril Rioli has today announced the end of his AFL career. Rioli admitted he contemplated retirement at the end of the 2017 when he only managed seven games due to injury and his father suffered a heart attack, which he took time away from the club for. The Hawthorn star has stated that he needs to move past football in order to be able to return home to the Northern Territory to spend more time with friends and family.

Rioli was a remarkable AFL player to watch. A crowd and commentator favourite, he was renown for his ability to win the ball in extraordinary circumstances, his breakaway speed, his sublime skills and the manic pressure and tackling he provided the Hawks through the forward-line and midfield. He was a crucial part of his club’s great period of sustained success from 2008 to 2016 where they missed finals only once and won four flags.

An incredible career: Cyril’s accolades

4× AFL premiership player: 2008, 2013, 2014, 2015
Norm Smith Medal: 2015
3× All-Australian: 2012, 2015, 2016
AFL Rising Star nominee: 2008
AFL Goal of the Year: 2009
AFLCA Best Young Player: 2009

His impact on the game will be long lasting. Rioli is one of the most successful players from the Northern Territory and will no doubt prove to be an inspiration to following generations of Indigenous footballers. What he did on the footy field for Hawthorn alongside fellow small, Paul Puopolo, has in part redefined the role of a small forward. They were the gold standard for exuding “forward pressure” which sides like Richmond have built winning game styles around.

Cyril’s retirement now opens up questions of his club’s future. Rioli was signed to the Hawks until 2020 and at least some part of that cap space will be freed up in his retirement. This potentially leaves the Hawks with more money to throw at free agents Rory Sloane and Tom Lynch. 

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