AFL 2025: Cyril Rioli absent from Hawthorn three-peat celebration, Buddy Franklin makes rare appearance
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Lance 'Buddy' Franklin made an appearance at Hawthorn's celebration of their 2013-2015 premiership three-peat on Friday night, but a fan favourite was absent from the anniversary function.
Players from Hawthorn's most recent golden premiership era attended a commemorative function in Melbourne, with the club's premiership cups from 2013, 2014 and 2015 proudly on display.
FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer.
Franklin played in the 2008 and 2013 premierships with Hawthorn but missed out on the rest of the three-peat after he moved to the Sydney Swans, playing out the rest of his career there and losing three grand finals, including the 2014 decider to Hawthorn.
The legendary goalkicker was in good spirits as he chatted to former Hawks spearhead Jarryd Roughead and the likes of Luke Hodge, Isaac Smith Sam Mitchell.
Franklin, who is expecting his third child with wife Jesinta, didn't attend Hawthorn's 100-year club anniversary earlier this year.
Jarryd Roughead, Buddy Franklin and Sam Mitchell. Photo: Instagram.
Buddy Franklin chats to some of his old Hawthorn teammates. Photo: Instagram.
One fan commented on Instagram: 'Seeing Bud at Hawk functions and talking about Hawthorn warms my heart.'
Franklin now co-hosts a podcast with Hawthorn champion and 2008 premiership teammate Shane Crawford.
But not every player from Hawthorn's premiership three-peat could attend, and one notable absentee was legendary small forward Cyril Rioli.
The 2015 Norm Smith Medallist was one of just six players to play in the three-peat and the 2008 flag, but his relationship with Hawthorn has soured over allegations of racism during his time at Hawthorn.
Some of the players who won premierships with Hawthorn in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Photo: Instagram.
Rioli retired in 2018 after playing 189 games across a career that saw him win Goal of the Year in 2009 and named to the All Australian team on three occasions.
Neither Rioli or former Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson, now the coach of North Melbourne, were at the three-peat function.
One fan commented on social media: 'Someone missing', while a second said: 'Where's Cyril?'
A third said: 'Cyril will never come back it's sad.'
Another commented: 'I do miss Cyril hopefully under Mitchell he'll feel comfortable enough to come back.'
Cyril Rioli won the Norm Smith Medal in 2015. (Photo by Michael Dodge/)
In May, triple premiership captain Luke Hodge greeted Rioli at an AFL game in Darwin and stopped to chat to his old teammate in the crowd.
'I hadn't seen him since about 2018,' Hodge said.
'I saw Mark Evans (Gold Coast Suns CEO) talking to him so I just wanted to go over and say g'day. It was good.
'He's looking great and had a smile on his face. He said his cousin was flying out there running across the halfback line. It was great to see him and Shannyn over there.'
Earlier this year, Hodge told Channel 7's Agenda Setters: 'We understand that Hawthorn and Cyril haven't come to the stage where Cyril feels comfortable back in the football club just yet.
'There's been a number of guys that have reached out to Cyril. And we left on really good terms. When he retired he sent me a message saying 'thanks for all the development and help'. I've had no issues with Cyril ever, but it's almost like he's parted ways with everyone there. Even a lot of the mentors in that forward line (at the time he played) haven't been able to connect with him either.'
Hawthorn's four-time premiership players: (L-R) Cyril Rioli, Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell, Jarryd Roughead, Grant Birchall and Luke Hodge.
Hawthorn have won premierships in every decade since the 1960s and now as the team's coach, Mitchell will he hoping that streak can continue in the 2020s.
Jordan Lewis, who missed the event due to commentary duties with Fox Footy, said Hawthorn's dominant premiership teams were defined by their 'competitiveness'.
'You need the game plan, you need to be fit and healthy and everything to go right, but if you're not competitive, you can't sustain that long period of success,' Lewis told news.com.au.
'Players recognise that when they've been successful for one year and find it really hard to back it up. Then you really appreciate how good those teams that were able to stay at the top of their game and win multiple premierships in a row.'
The Hawks are fifth on the ladder — they have the bye this weekend and take on North Melbourne in round 16.
Originally published as Hawthorn icon absent from club's premiership three-peat celebration
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News.com.au
20 minutes ago
- News.com.au
Flash Aah lands upset victory in the Ipswich Cup to end a 1000-day winning drought
Toowoomba trainer Troy Pascoe declared well-travelled gelding Flash Aah had 'found his home' after the $31 roughie pulled off a shock victory in the $250,000 Listed Ipswich Cup (2150m) on Saturday. The near 10-year-old has been through a total of eight different trainers over a journey of 48 races for nine wins at racetracks as far north as Cairns to Cranbourne in Victoria. Flash Aah began his career as a sprinter in November 2018 before gradually stepping up in distance, being shifted through various trainers before finally landing at Pascoe's stables at the end of 2023. He broke a 1000-day winning drought in the Ipswich Cup, with his previous triumph coming at Bendigo in April 2022 when trained by Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young. 'I wasn't counting, I knew that every day was closer to his next win,' Pascoe said. 'He's been all over Australia but he's in the right hands now. 'He's found his home. He loves life with us and we love him. 'He's like a big dog, like a big pet. He follows you around and he's just so relaxed. 'You get him out and he's looking at the butterflies and the rainbows. 'He just doesn't give a sh**. He's a beautiful animal.' The Tony Gollan-trained Felix The Scat ($14) looked to have the race sewn up before Flash Aah made a late charge to steal victory, with Raf Attack ($10) in third. Flash Aah was steered by veteran jockey Ron Stewart, who for a time worked in his family's butcher shop after returning to Australia from a successful riding stint in Singapore. 'He's been terribly unlucky,' Pascoe said about Flash Aah. 'Every start they've just walked and made it impossible for him to run home. 'I never lost faith in him. I kept saying that this was the race I wanted to get him in. I absolutely thought he could win it. âš¡ï¸� Flash Aah lives up to his name and flashes home to take the TAB Ipswich Cup! ðŸ�† @IpswichTurfClub — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 21, 2025 'I was blown away at the price, I couldn't believe it. 'My staff have done an amazing job. He ran third in this race four years ago and to come back as a nine, rising 10-year-old, they should take a bow.' Stewart said that from barrier four he followed Diabolo Bolt, ridden by Irish jockey Robbie Dolan, in the run. 'In all fairness to Robbie, he got held up around the corner,' Stewart said. 'It really unfolded nicely for us. He had plenty of room and just kept building in his gears. 'I thought I was going to get there comfortably but he had a look around but he got the job done. 'It was a really good training performance. The horse had time off, there is a story behind it and it is nice to get on him.'
News.com.au
27 minutes ago
- News.com.au
Blues fans turn on ‘bullied' Carlton after heavy loss to North Melbourne
Carlton fans and an AFL great were all sticking the boot into the Blues after their dreadful display against North Melbourne on Saturday afternoon. Entering the match as firm favourites and aiming for a third straight win, the Blues were 'bullied' by the baby Kangaroos in an 11-point final margin that flattered them. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. North Melbourne led by 46 points at the last break and while Carlton kicked five unanswered goal in the final term, they were comfortably beaten 13.6 (84) to 10.13 (73) at the MCG. Leading by nine points at the first change, Carlton gave up 12 goals to three over the next two quarters as fans turned on Michael Voss' side and boos rained down. Late in the third quarter, North captain Jy Simpkin laid a heavy tackle on George Hewett that summed up the day for a Roos side that has shown improvement over the past six weeks. Brisbane Lions great Jonathan Brown labelled North the 'unsociable Shinboners', a reference to a great Hawthorn team of the past under Alastair Clarkson. Voss was seen on the phone desperately trying to get his side back in the game, but it was to no avail as the Roos built a match-winning lead. Gerard Healy commented on Fox Footy: 'Vossy needs a miracle right now.' That's when Brown gave the ultimate insult towards an established team facing one of the most inexperienced lists in the AFL. 'They're getting bullied,' he said of the Blues. 'They're getting beaten up, they're getting beaten up by a younger midfield for North Melbourne. The whole team for that matter. 'Michael Voss would be extremely disappointed. When a team physically confronts you, you either stand up or you roll over. 'Carlton have rolled over against a younger team.' When the Blues kicked the ball from side to side in their back half nearing three-quarter time, the boos continued and Brown said: 'This isn't going to get you back in the game. 'That's why the crowd's booing, the Carlton supporters. Just getting through to three quarter-time.' Mark Howard added: 'Radio talkback could get quite feisty on the way home I would've thought from the Blues fans if they can't lift in this final term. 'Tough day for Carlton fans.' Voss was seen berating his troops to 'play their role', the most simple of instructions, but it was all too little too late. The dismal day for Carlton was summarised when a young kid in a Blues jumper was seen bawling after a goal review was called a point for his side. 'That is a summation of what's happened to the Blues for that poor young fella,' Howard said. 'Mum and dad have brought im to the footy today full of hope.' Brown quipped: 'It's bad parenting.' Those watching on were shocked by the lack of effort from Voss' side. Sports reporter Oliver Caffrey wrote on X: 'Ugly day for Carlton. Booed by the sections of their own fans at HT and now 3QT.' Mark Goldberg tweeted: 'The Carlton supporters booing the umpires have showed more than the players all day.' The Prendercast podcast said: 'Every week Voss and his coaches find new and extraordinary ways to surprise me. They've genuinely got us playing the worst brand of footy in the league.' Blues fan Justin Cooper added: 'Where's the spirit? Any intensity at the contest? Where's the full buy in to compete? You don't need talent to compete. What a train wreck.' The Blues face the Power in Adelaide next week, while the Roos take on Hawthorn in Launceston.
Courier-Mail
27 minutes ago
- Courier-Mail
‘Kidding ourselves': Debate erupts over AFL's plan to revive State of Origin
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. The AFL is in talks to revive State of Origin, but there are fears the proposed showdown would only be an 'exhibition game'. As the NRL's State of Origin heads to a decider following Queensland's Game 2 win in Perth, it appears increasingly likely the AFL will bring back a State of Origin game as soon as next year. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said earlier this year: 'I can't rule it in and I can't rule it out, but it will certainly be a conversation I'd like to have with the players and the clubs, 'There seems to be a bit of a groundswell for it.' It has now emerged that the WA government is in talks with the AFL to hold a State of Origin game in Perth during pre-season in the first week of February in 2026. X SUBSCRIBER ONLY WA deputy premier and sports minister Rita Saffioti said talks were in the early stages but the AFL is 'very keen' on the idea. 'It's not a done deal,' Saffioti said on Friday. 'But I know the AFL was very keen, and we're very keen. 'Everyone is very excited about having a WA State of Origin game in the AFL, there's some good discussions happening at the moment.' The game between the Fremantle Dockers and the Indigenous All Stars in February this year was considered a major success, and the AFL is considering holding a State of Origin match in a similar as soon as next season. But not everyone is a fan of the idea. Brian Taylor pointed out the hot conditions in Perth in February and noted team selection would be based on reputation instead of form if the match is held in pre-season. Taylor, who played for Victoria in a 1986 State of Origin game, said on Triple M: 'What are we trying to do here with State of Origin football, playing it in February? Do you know how hot it is in Perth in Feb? Dustin Martin (centre) was one of the big names to play for Victoria in the 2020 game against the All Stars. 'How many players are in form on the 6th of February? How are you picking the team? On the year before? 'It's about current form, it's about players playing well, like the All Australian — to achieve the status of getting selected in the side. 'I think this game is not going to work if it's in Feb. 'We currently have three byes currently in our season. Let's put one of those byes aside for a State of Origin weekend when the players have reached top form, halfway though or two thirds of the way through (a season).' NRL players earn $30,000 for each State of Origin earn match, and Taylor said a financial incentive may be required to get AFL players invested in the concept as a genuine competitive game. 'Let's give the players all of the gate, so a player could get $10,000 to $20,000 each per game,' Taylor said. 'Then they'll absolutely want to play.' He added: 'It has to be played mid-season, it has to be picked on form. Players are barely started their pre-season in the first week of Feb. 'Are we kidding ourselves? Are we trying to make this work?' Victoria's Stephen Silvagni (right) celebrates winning the State of Origin match in 1996. Brian Taylor wants State of Origin played mid-season. Picture: Channel 7/Supplied Leigh Montagna said the likelihood is any State of Origin clash would be an 'exhibition game' in the mould of the Victoria vs All Stars game in 2020, held to raise funds for bushfire relief. 'It's different, it's an exhibition game,' Montagna said on Triple M. 'You're probably still thinking of State of Origin in the 80s and 90s when it was South Australia vs Victoria and they were playing for keeps. Now it's more of an exhibition game. 'I'd love to see (Christian) Petracca in the same forward line as Toby Greene and Paddy Dangerfield and the Victorians play together. And I'm sure the other states would like to see their players play in their state jersey. 'It's just no longer going to be what it was like in the old days. It's an exhibition. You pick them (the teams) on reputation.' Taylor replied: 'Why do we need an exhibition game of our own game in our own country? People see 20 games a year. 'It can't be (held) before they've even completed their pre-season. What a load of nonsense.' The Indigenous All Stars game against Fremantle was a big success. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images) The Victorian team after winning the State of Origin for Bushfire Relief game in 2020. Photo: Michael Klein The last State of Origin match was between Victoria and South Australia in 1999, and it remains to be seen what state or amalgamation of states would take on Victoria if the concept is revived. 'We think this would be an incredible drawcard for the state,' WA deputy premier Rita Saffioti added. 'I know many of the players are actually excited, particularly those based over east, are very keen to play for their state, so I think there's a huge push from the players. 'Pre-season is a good time to do it, as opposed to in-season ... the clubs are already playing pre-season games,' Saffioti said. 'And we saw the Indigenous All Stars, we had some incredible players out there ... it makes a bit of sense to do it during February.' Originally published as 'Kidding ourselves': Debate erupts over AFL's plan to revive State of Origin
