Universal Love Thanks Cyril, 11 amazing years, One of the greatest Hawks

[magpie_marty]

Sorry to intrude on this forum,
Cyril was amazing to watch every-time he played.
As that ch7 guy used to say SPECIAL.
I wish him and his family well for the future.

 

[grumbleguts]

I don't know what to say, so I am going to just leave this post as a place filler until I can figure out what to say in ten or fifteen years' time.

 

[irish]

bloody champion !!!!

 

[Drugs Are Bad Mackay?]

Still remember the 2012 prelim. We hit the front with 5 minutes to go. Next centre clearance to Burgoyne, Rioli marks and goals. Then the Stratton tackle, goes down the other end, Rioli handballs over to Franklin, goal. Next centre clearance kicked towards Rioli who marks it. Misses the set shot but you'd done enough (just). Stepped up when most needed which he had a habit of doing.

 

[Agent Smith]

The power has been switched off.

The oven has gone cold.

The Sizzle is now a memory.

Thanks for 11 years of magic, Junior Boy.

 

[TylerDurden]

Still remember the 2012 prelim. We hit the front with 5 minutes to go. Next centre clearance to Burgoyne, Rioli marks and goals. Then the Stratton tackle, goes down the other end, Rioli handballs over to Franklin, goal. Next centre clearance kicked towards Rioli who marks it. Misses the set shot but you'd done enough (just). Stepped up when most needed which he had a habit of doing.

We all remember it. Took a hanger amongst all of that. Was too gassed to kick the goal that’s how hard he worked in those 5 mins.

He had the talent. But he had the work rate too. Which was why he ended up a champion player.

 

[westaussie76]

Gutted however forever grateful I got to witness his brilliance!

Probably the best impact player to have ever played the game.

Thanks for the memories Cryil

 

[StillAtLarge]

Cyril dragged people through the gates for 10 years; a fusion of speed, strength, balance and poise (with a healthy sprinkling of genius). He was at the heart of countless exhilarating moments that more often than not swung games in our favour.
All the best Cyril, if I was a turtle up in darwin I'd be ticking off my bucket list!

 

[TheExtractorFactor]

Mitchell, Rioli, Hodge, Franklin. My favourite Hawks are now all retired or at other clubs.
Cyril owes us nothing and I hope he can find happiness back home in retirement, he deserves it. A lap around the ground against Geelong in round 21 would be a fitting farewell.

 

[kimbopen]

So long and thanks for all the fish.

Seriously, thank you Cyril, for all that you have done for the Hawthorn Football Club, and all the best for your life after footy.

 

[TBoyleSuperstar]

Sad day for our club. Been an amazing player to watch for the past 10yrs. His debut season capped by a great performance in the GF, goal of the year the following season, to strong finals performances through our 3-peat capped by the Norm Smith in '15. the tackles, the speccies, the goals the tap ons, the run-downs from behind. He's been an incredible player to watch, one of the few in the game that could significantly impact the game with minimal touches.
Also has a special spot for me as he's probably the first player my daughter loved in the brown and gold, cementing her as a Hawks fan (especially after Bud left).

Wish him all the best for the future, but feel we've been robbed of some glorious memories in coming years. Family comes first though, and hope he enjoys retirement

 

[Hodgey09]

Came, saw and conquered.

Thank you Cyril.

 

[M Malice]

I very rarely post on opposition boards but Cyril Rioli brought me here-

Cyril was a fantastic player IMO, to go with goals he got he was involved in a multitude of scoring movements, his ability to tap on to advantage was the best I have seen. In defense nobody had better closing speed, his perceived pressure alone in the forward 50 caused panic in opposition ranks. The best 10-15 possession player I have seen. Loved watching him play, farewell and good luck in the future Cyril, you will be missed.

 

[DEECEE]

 

[Hodgey 15]

Time to change avatar in celebration of a great career.

 

[kirbatron]

I am absolutely shattered.

All the best junior boy & thanks for the memories - they were truly (ahem) special.

 

[Mississippi]

Love this, from today's Age:

"The comedian and Hawthorn fanatic Anthony "Lehmo" Lehmann once compared Cyril's disposals to dog years - one of his was worth seven of another player's."

 

[Dewnior]

It feels like a little piece of me has died today



Thanks for the memories and all the best with life after AFL footy Junior Boy.

 

[WWSD]

One of my favorite moments would have to be the Round 3 game against Fremantle at the MCG when they went from half back to half forward in a flash; Rioli knocked the ball out to Puopolo who knocked the ball back to Rioli who kicked it Breust.

 

[Off The Couch]

Now that the tears out the way I want to say a big thank you for playing such a pivotal role in the success of the Hawthorn FC over the last ten years. The moments are many and immense and will bring me hours of enjoyable watching when I’m feeling blue and need some delicious moments to brighten the day.

All the best going forward Cyril - may the road ahead be blessed and filled with as much joy for you and Shannyn as you have given me.

 

[Endorphin Machine]

Hard to believe, but thanks Cyril so much!
Wishing you well . You were just amazing to watch !

 

[Adelaide Hawk]

I remember years ago, a mate of mine sent me some footage of Rioli playing for his school, and he told me the Hawks were very keen on drafting him. Some of you may have seen this footage, but it opened with a shot of an aboriginal player trotting around the field, obviously overweight, slow, and lacking in ball skills.

I thought "What in hell are they thinking!!???". Then the footage panned across the field and picked up another aboriginal lad who had pace to burn, beautifully balanced on either side of the body, above average disposal, he looked great. It was, or course, Cyril Rioli. After viewing the footage I found myself elated when the name Cyril Rioli was drafted by the Hawks.

That elation never left me. He made every viewing experience one of pure pleasure. People used to criticise the likes of Bruce McAvaney with his reactions to how Cyril played, but underneath I was feeling the same way. Very few players have ever excited me in the way Cyril could. A joy forever, and thank goodness he played for the Hawks.

The game will not be the same without Cyril.

 

[seanoff]

Sad to him leave the AFL. A rare talent. Always a pleasure to watch.

You were lucky to have him, and he lucky to have you.

On a more selfish note. Hopefully he comes home and plays with his original home club under another ex hawk, Brent Renouf. It would be fantastic for us and the NTFL.

 

[HighFlyer]

Cyril dragged people through the gates for 10 years; a fusion of speed, strength, balance and poise (with a healthy sprinkling of genius). He was at the heart of countless exhilarating moments that more often than not swung games in our favour.
All the best Cyril, if I was a turtle up in darwin I'd be ticking off my bucket list!

Cyril gave non supporters another reason to watch the Hawks !!! All those grand finals days ..... The first footballers name my son was able to verbalise was "Cereal Ravioli ..." and we are tigers supporters !! That magic will be a loss for the game not just the hawks.

 

[Brant]

Productivity down 20% across Australian workplaces today as footy-lovers flock to remember the amazing career of Cyril 'Junior Boy' Rioli.

Of course I made that stat up, but it works for Kingy...

Thanks Cyzzle for making footy fun.