-
AFLW 2024 - Round 10 - Chat, game threads, injury lists, team lineups and more.
Universal Love Thanks Cyril, 11 amazing years, One of the greatest Hawks
- Thread starter DEECEE
- Start date
- Tagged users None
When Cyril was fit, he was playing at a level above every other player in the game. He had super human agility and speed, combined with the uncanny ability to turn a shit sandwich into a Sunday roast – in heavy traffic, in space, from 3 deep, or from ten metres behind.
He cut sides to ribbons, not by degrees or 1000s of cuts, but with deep, well placed slices.
Cyril could leap over packs (ask Harry Taylor), turn defenders into traffic cones (see Milburn or Enright), tackle a rhino (or Max Rooke), and think two moves ahead of anyone else. He all but invented the modern notion of the pressure forward, and tackling as weapon inside FWD 50.
You could argue that Richmond fielded a forward line of pseudo-Cyrils in 2017, and won a GF with it. Not many players are afforded that kind of tribute.
I will miss Cyril as much as anyone to have played at Hawthorn. He was the cream on top of the Hodge, Mitchell era – the can of accelerant in the forward pocket for Clarkson to use whenever the fire threatened to die down.
The naysayers always pointed to the stats sheets. But they didn't recognise the value of superior possession, or the nerves he frayed in defences, who would otherwise like to run and carry.
I was lucky to see a good chunk of his first season live, and it felt like he was a superstar by the end of the home and away. I will never forget his 2008 GF, and the considerable volume of highlights he produced between then and now.
What a player. Were he blessed with durability to match his talent, he would be the best we've ever seen. And yet he's still an all time great, with a career that just burned brighter for longer.
He cut sides to ribbons, not by degrees or 1000s of cuts, but with deep, well placed slices.
Cyril could leap over packs (ask Harry Taylor), turn defenders into traffic cones (see Milburn or Enright), tackle a rhino (or Max Rooke), and think two moves ahead of anyone else. He all but invented the modern notion of the pressure forward, and tackling as weapon inside FWD 50.
You could argue that Richmond fielded a forward line of pseudo-Cyrils in 2017, and won a GF with it. Not many players are afforded that kind of tribute.
I will miss Cyril as much as anyone to have played at Hawthorn. He was the cream on top of the Hodge, Mitchell era – the can of accelerant in the forward pocket for Clarkson to use whenever the fire threatened to die down.
The naysayers always pointed to the stats sheets. But they didn't recognise the value of superior possession, or the nerves he frayed in defences, who would otherwise like to run and carry.
I was lucky to see a good chunk of his first season live, and it felt like he was a superstar by the end of the home and away. I will never forget his 2008 GF, and the considerable volume of highlights he produced between then and now.
What a player. Were he blessed with durability to match his talent, he would be the best we've ever seen. And yet he's still an all time great, with a career that just burned brighter for longer.
- Oct 20, 2015
- 2,127
- 2,033
- AFL Club
- Hawthorn
Cyril ****ing Rioli take a bow you little mistro absolute legend, thanks for all the memories and bragging writes for being a my supported team. All the best for the next chapter in ya life.. Now to go drown my sorrows with some beer
Was surprised by how sad the news made me feel. Thanks Cyril for all the joy you brought me and thousands of others, you made legend status years ago. On a selfish note hoping a jnr jnr plays for Hawthorn in years to come.
On [device_name] using BigFooty.com mobile app
On [device_name] using BigFooty.com mobile app
vanders
Brownlow Medallist
Got to see him live in his first and last game and the '08 Grannie where he showed the world just how good he would be.
Thanks for some wonderful memories Cyril.
Thanks for some wonderful memories Cyril.
Ned Ryerson
Future Captain
Cyril Rioli III playing in 33. Has to happen.
Devo! All the best to Cyril and his family for his post footy life.
He was my absolute favourite player to watch as he could do it all.
He was my absolute favourite player to watch as he could do it all.
- Mar 11, 2018
- 8,149
- 12,482
- AFL Club
- Hawthorn
One of the great entertainers. The game is better for him having played and worse because he has left.
Thanks for the memories, the entertainment, the success, the anticipation, for making the name Cyril cool, and thanks for being the subject of one of my more well received comments from the outer: "COME ON CYRIL, THERE ARE ONLY TWO OF THEM!"
I hope he and his family find the place they need away from the grind of professional sport and the cold of Melbourne.
Legend
Thanks for the memories, the entertainment, the success, the anticipation, for making the name Cyril cool, and thanks for being the subject of one of my more well received comments from the outer: "COME ON CYRIL, THERE ARE ONLY TWO OF THEM!"
I hope he and his family find the place they need away from the grind of professional sport and the cold of Melbourne.
Legend
What more can be said.......
Ned Ryerson
Future Captain
What a ****ing superstar. Not enough superlatives for this guy.
PatientHawk
All Australian
Hawthorn Hawks - Muston and Savage Player Sponsor 2010
Hawthorn Hawks - Beau Muston 2009 Player Sponsor
Hawthorn Hawks - Beau Muston 2008 Player Sponsor
What a champion. Thanks for everything.
Sad day for us, already missed.
Hope he and family have a great life after footy.
Sad day for us, already missed.
Hope he and family have a great life after footy.
Champion footballer who achieved a hell of a lot in his career.
Wish him all the best for the future.
Wish him all the best for the future.
- Apr 21, 2015
- 766
- 1,357
- AFL Club
- Hawthorn
Am listening to Christine Anu's My Island Home.
It helps.
It helps.
Just feel empty, not sure how else to feel.
He’s the end of a fabulous dynasty and one that only comes once in a life time.
Was a part of history and will forever be the greatest small forward of all time.
He’s the end of a fabulous dynasty and one that only comes once in a life time.
Was a part of history and will forever be the greatest small forward of all time.
thejockey
Club Legend
He is the key reason why stats can be incredible overrated
Roger Rogerson
Brownlow Medallist
Just found I have his last game recorded on foxtel still. Might be some time before I can watch it.
NT.Thunder
K2 Party Platter
- Jun 19, 2007
- 22,748
- 20,099
- AFL Club
- GWS
- Other Teams
- Pies
Welcome to NT.Thunder junior boy - happy to have you on-board
- Jun 28, 2013
- 32,718
- 50,350
- AFL Club
- Hawthorn
He he. That’s hilarious
haha - outstanding post mate
Similar threads
- Locked
