AFL world erupts after Luke Hodge spotted in post-match moment with Cyril Rioli
Cyril Rioli was spotted catching up with Hawthorn premiership teammate Luke Hodge after the Hawks and Suns' AFL game in Darwin on Thursday night. And it marked an important step for Rioli after Hodge recently revealed he hadn't been able to contact the Hawks great for a number of years.
Rioli declined an invitation to attend Hawthorn's training session on Wednesday in Darwin where he lives, and is still largely estranged from the club due to allegations of racism. But he did make a surprise appearance at the game on Thursday night.
Rioli was spotted in the crowd with wife Shannyn, who were there to watch Rioli's cousins Daniel Rioli and Ben Long. The 2015 Norm Smith medallist was spotted clapping when Gold Coast scored a goal, and wasn't wearing any Hawthorn gear.
AFL fans and commentators were delighted to see Rioli there, and even more so when he was spotted having a chat to former captain Hodge after the game. "I hadn't seen him since about 2018," Hodge told Channel 7 after his catch-up with Rioli.
"I saw Mark Evans (Gold Coast SEO) 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 month, Hodge revealed he'd tried multiple times to get into contact with Rioli to no avail. It came after Rioli chose not to attend Hawthorn's centenary celebrations at the MCG. Rioli was one of a number of people who levelled allegations of racism against the club, which resulted in an out-of-court settlement last year. There was no determination of fault, but Hawthorn issued an apology.
"We understand that Hawthorn and Cyril haven't come to the stage where Cyril feels comfortable back in the football club just yet," Hodge said on Channel 7 program 'Agenda Setters'. "But time heals all wounds and we're hoping it gets to that stage with Cyril.
"I haven't been able to speak to Cyril. I have reached out. We went to Darwin (where he lives) in 2020. I tried to call him...and didn't get anything back from him.
"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."
Rioli still hasn't been back at the club properly, but his attendance at Thursday night's game marked an important step in many people's eyes. Former teammate Jordan Lewis said on Fox Footy: 'Geez he was a good player. If you ever saw Cyril one out on the wing, you would just kick it in his direction. We would love to have seen a lot more of him."
Fellow premiership teammate Shaun Burgoyne said: 'It is a great thing Cyril being back at the footy. As a Hawthorn great, Hawthorn people love seeing him involved.
'Getting back to the footy is the first step for him. We'll get him to enjoy watching Hawthorn play again. I'm not sure if it is on behalf of Hawthorn that he is here or if it is on his own accord ... but the fans still love him and it is good to see him back here watching the footy.'
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The Suns led by 32 points in the second quarter on Thursday night, but then trailed by three at the final break. However Damien Hardwick's side eventually prevailed 16.8 (104) to 15.6 (96) at TIO Stadium. It improved Gold Coast's record to 8-0 at the venue, putting them second on the live ladder at 7-2, ahead of the fourth-placed Hawks (7-3).
Cyril seems like he is caught btw a rock & a hard place with the hawks but seems genuinely happy to connect with Hodgey.
— jk06 (@jk06OZ) May 15, 2025
I love u Cyril
— mordecai (@mitchy_mac_hok) May 15, 2025
Love it. Seemed to be supporting Gold Coast, but hopefully we can get him interested in being around the club
— viewsfromthenosebleeds (@viewsfromtheno1) May 15, 2025
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