Hawthorn’s golden era was honoured on Friday night, but one iconic name was missing from the celebrations.
The club’s famous threepeat team – premiers in 2013, 2014 and 2015 – reunited at Melbourne Town Hall to mark 10 years since their historic run.
It was a night of laughter, stories, and old teammates reconnecting – except one.
Cyril Rioli, the four-time premiership hero and 2015 Norm Smith Medallist, did not attend.
When Hawthorn posted photos from the event, fans were quick to spot the painful detail.
‘Where’s Cyril?’ one asked.
Hawthorn’s threepeat champions reunited in Melbourne where Cyril Rioli was a notable absentee from the celebrations
Rioli’s Norm Smith brilliance in 2015 remains a defining moment of the Hawks’ premiership era
Jordan Lewis, Jarryd Roughead, Sam Mitchell, Grant Birchall, Cyril Rioli and Luke Hodge celebrate with the Premeirship Cup
Another posted a single tear emoji and the comment : ‘Wish Cyril would go.’
The rift between Rioli and Hawthorn remains unresolved, despite fans’ hopes for healing.
In 2022, Rioli became the lead plaintiff in a high-profile racial discrimination claim against the club.
That matter has since been settled, with the club issuing an apology and the plaintiffs receiving an undisclosed financial settlement.
But Rioli has remained distant from Hawthorn – and his absence on Friday confirmed the depth of that separation.
Former captain Luke Hodge, who played alongside Rioli for a decade, has tried repeatedly to reconnect.
‘We left on really good terms,’ Hodge said on Channel 7’s The Agenda Setters.
‘When he retired, he sent me a message saying ‘thanks for all the development and all the help’.’
Lance Franklin made a surprise appearance, standing alongside past teammates from the 2013 premiership campaign
Despite club efforts and settlement, Rioli remains distanced from former mentors and teammates
Premiership-winning coach Alastair Clarkson was another big name absentee, as he was busy preparing North Melbourne for their clash against Carlton on Saturday
Yet even mentors from Hawthorn’s famous forward line haven’t been able to reach him.
‘It’s almost like he’s parted ways with everyone there,’ Hodge said.
Rioli didn’t attend Hawthorn’s centenary match in May either.
But he was spotted later that month, smiling at TIO Stadium as Gold Coast played Hawthorn during Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
The moment was broadcast live as Rioli stood to cheer a Suns goal.
‘He had a fair smile on his face when Gold Coast kicked that goal,’ Hodge noted on commentary.
At full-time, Hodge made his way to the stands for a brief chat with his former teammate.
‘It was just good to see him looking happy,’ he said.
Rioli’s cousin, Daniel, now plays for the Suns and spoke after the game.
‘I didn’t see him or have had any contact with him yet,’ Daniel said.
‘But it’s good to see him out here still watching the footy. I love him.’
Hawthorn fans clearly feel the same way.
‘Where is Cyril? We miss you a lot!’ one fan wrote.
Another added: ‘Cyril will never come back. It’s sad.’
There is still a sense of deep respect and reverence for Rioli’s brilliance.
From his six-goal, 12-tackle performance in 2011, to his match-winning birthday goal against Sydney in 2016, Rioli created moments that will never be forgotten.
But as the club’s stars gathered for one more toast to greatness, the absence of their most electric player couldn’t be ignored.
