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News.com.au
4 days ago
- Politics
- News.com.au
Cyril Rioli Kangaroos text message bombshell before Hawthorn scandal
Alastair Clarkson and Cyril Rioli discussed the possibility of the legendary forward making an AFL playing comeback just before the Hawthorn racism saga erupted, according to CODE Sports. A stunning story was published on Friday by Herald Sun chief football writer and Super Saturday LIVE panellist Jay Clark, who reported Clarkson and Rioli spoke both on the phone and via text message in August and September 2022, where the idea of the triple All-Australian recommencing his AFL career under Clarkson's new club was floated. Rioli, who was coached by Clarkson in the four Hawks flags, shocked the footy world midway through the 2018 season when he announced his retirement just before his 29th birthday. 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. But just over four years later – after Clarkson had left Hawthorn and was on the verge of coaching his second club – the pair weighed up the possibility of the superstar small forward playing under Clarkson at another team. In the alleged text messages, published by CODE Sports, sent across August and September 2022, Clarkson asked Rioli how he was and if he was 'still keen' on a comeback. In Rioli's reply, he said he was 'interested and keen'. Clarkson, according to the report, then sent another message to Rioli that read: 'Still waiting for your preference. Orange and charcoal or blue and white?' The colours were a reference to the Giants and Kangaroos, who were two of the AFL clubs interested in hiring Clarkson as their next coach at the time. The Roos eventually signed him in August 2022 on a five-year deal. Rioli, in the following weeks, conceded to Clarkson he'd need more time to build his fitness if he wanted to play in the AFL again, flagging the prospect of taking on an off-field role at the Kangaroos instead. A month later in AFL Grand Final week of 2022, allegations from a report into the historical treatment of First Nations players at Hawthorn – including shock claims against Clarkson and other senior Hawks figures – was published by the ABC. It was the start of a two-year legal battle, which led to Clarkson and Lions coach Chris Fagan – the Hawks' former football boss – being temporarily stood down by their new clubs. Communication between Rioli and Clarkson petered out after the allegations became public. Despite Clarkson's attempts to check in on Rioli, CODE Sports reported the duo haven't spoken since. The saga ended in late 2024 after the ex-Hawks players and their family members took a statement of claim to Federal Court before a settlement was reached and the Hawks released a statement apologising to the players, including Rioli. The allegations were never confirmed to be true or false. The accused former Hawthorn staffers, including Clarkson, strongly denied the allegations and remain significantly affected by the fallout.
News.com.au
25-04-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
AFL Round 7 Collingwood v Essendon: Live updates, scores from Anzac Day blockbuster
Welcome to one of the biggest days on the footy calendar – Anzac Day at the MCG! It was 30 years ago the now famous tradition started, with the Bombers and Magpies playing out a draw in front of 90,000. What will happen today? Follow all the action live with us below, Subscribe to CODE Sports for breaking news and deeper coverage of your favourite clubs for only $1 for your first month Originally published as AFL Round 7 Collingwood v Essendon: Live updates, scores from Anzac Day blockbuster
The Australian
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Australian
AFL round 7 Melbourne v Richmond: Live scores, updates, SuperCoach scores
It feels like the Easter weekend just ended, but footy is already back in our lives! Anzac weekend starts with the Anzac Eve game, a traditional blockbuster between the Tigers and Demons. Both sides are flying high after wins last week, who will make it two on the trot? Follow the latest updates and SuperCoach scores here. Subscribe to CODE Sports for breaking news and deeper coverage of your favourite clubs for only $1 for your first month
