Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett, Cyril Rioli exchange text messages after falling out

Is this the first step in Cyril Rioli burying the hatchet with Hawthorn? Hawks president Jeff Kennett has revealed he has connected with the disgruntled Hawks’ great.

Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett says he has connected with disgruntled premiership champ Cyril Rioli. Picture: Michael Klein

Jeff Kennett and Cyril Rioli have opened dialogue in what is hoped to be the first step in reconciliation between Hawthorn and the premiership champion.

Kennett, who is in Darwin to celebrate the birth of a grandchild, was unable to meet Rioli face-to-face but the pair exchanged a series of text messages.

The text exchange is believed to have been cordial, but Rioli is still reluctant to meet with Kennett or Hawthorn officials.

Stream every match of every round of the 2022 Toyota AFL Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free In-Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

Kennett revealed he last had contact with Rioli in January.

“I’ve sent Cyril many, many text messages over recent times,’’ Kennett told the Herald Sun.

“He sent me one in January first, wanting to talk, and I have not been back here in Darwin since to do that.

“Then there were the articles in the paper and I’ve tried to contact him since.

“We connected Monday briefly and I’m hoping that might lead to a better flow of communications.

“I hope Cyril and Shannyn will feel comfortable about coming back to the club.’’

Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett says he has connected with disgruntled premiership champ Cyril Rioli. Picture: Michael Klein

Kennett is wanting to invite Rioli and Shannyn to Hawthorn’s Anzac Day game against Sydney at Launceston.

The Hawks also view their trip to Darwin for Sir Doug Nicholls Round — May 28 — as a chance to reconnect with the disgruntled club great.

Kennett had a meeting with Rioli’s uncle Michael Long on Tuesday and outlined Hawthorn’s willingness to help Rioli and Shannyn in any way possible.

Long told the Herald Sun on April 9 the family wanted Rioli to “get help”.

“We love our nephew but we’ve seen the change in our nephew and it’s not the way we’ve brought him up,’’ Long said.

“We brought him up to have respect, but he’s changed and he needs to get professional help.

“He needs to address it himself.”

Kennett is hoping to have a meeting with Long and Rioli’s father, Cyril Sr, on Wednesday.

Long is yet to speak to his nephew — they have not spoken since 2018 — after going public with his fears about the four-time premiership Hawk’s social behaviour.

The Riolis detailed in early April multiple allegations of racist behaviour which occurred when Rioli was playing at Hawthorn.

The Hawks have begun an investigation into the allegations.

Originally published as Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett, Cyril Rioli exchange text messages after falling out