- Cyril Rioli was reportedly ‘keen’ to come out of retirement
- Was considering playing for North Melbourne in 2023
- Hawks great was exchanging texts with Alastair Clarkson
- Hawthorn’s infamous racism saga followed in September 2022
In the latest bombshell to engulf the AFL, it can now be revealed Hawthorn legend Cyril Rioli considered a shock return to the sport under former coach Alastair Clarkson at North Melbourne – just weeks before Hawthorn’s racism saga exploded.
Rioli – who won four premiership at the Hawks – spoke to his one-time mentor in August and September of 2022 about turning out for the Kangaroos the following season, once Clarkson took over at Arden St.
‘Interested and keen,’ was Rioli’s response when asked if he would dust off his playing boots after previously retiring in 2018.
Ultimately, at 33, Rioli felt he may struggle with the fitness levels required and the move never eventuated – but ‘Junior’ was reportedly open to joining North Melbourne in an off-field role such as an Indigenous liaison officer.
Incredibly, just a few weeks later, legal action in relation to historical racism allegations aimed at Hawthorn, Clarkson, current Brisbane Lions head coach Chris Fagan and former welfare manager Jason Burt was then launched after the 2022 Grand Final.
The high-profile Hawks trio all strenuously denied any wrongdoing, with an subsequent investigation from the AFL finding no adverse findings.
It can now be revealed Hawthorn legend Cyril Rioli (pictured) considered a shock return to the sport under former coach Alastair Clarkson at North Melbourne just weeks before Hawthorn’s racism saga exploded in 2022
Clarkson was initially looking to recruit Rioli to North Melbourne, where he took over as head coach in 2023
Clarkson, current Brisbane Lions head coach Chris Fagan (pictured, middle) and former welfare manager Jason Burt all refuted allegations of racism when employed by Hawthorn – the trio were later cleared of any wrongdoing by the AFL
Rioli and his partner Shannyn said they felt ‘culturally unsafe’ at Hawthorn during their time at the club – and later received an apology
Rioli was the lead complainant in a statement of claim against his former club which accused Clarkson, Fagan and Burt of ‘separating Indigenous players from their families.’
The decorated half forward flank also accused Hawthorn of ‘unlawful discrimination’ causing ‘psychological harm’, ‘distress’ and ‘personal harm’ throughout his decorated career which started in 2008 and concluded a decade later.
Additionally, Rioli and his partner Shannyn Ah Sam-Rioli, said they felt ‘culturally unsafe’ at Hawthorn.
Clarkson and Rioli have not spoken since their text exchange in 2022.
With the matter set to play out in the Federal Court involving Hawthorn, the club resolved the matter on AFL draft night in November last year.
A statement formally apologised to Rioli and wife Shannyn, Jermaine Miller-Lewis, Montanah-Rae Lewis, Carl Peterson and former Hawthorn Indigenous officer Leon Egan for their ‘distress’ at the club.
‘Hawthorn accepts that the allegations were made in good faith, and has heard, respects, and accepts that they represent their truths,’ part of the statement said.
‘Hawthorn is sorry and apologises that the former players, partners, and their families, in either pursuing a football career, or in supporting such a person, experienced ongoing hurt and distress in their time at the club.’
Clarkson experienced a mental health breakdown in 2023 and took personal leave from the Kangaroos amid the devastating fallout.
