Cyril Rioli’s debut with the Tiwi Bombers a plus for the footy club and the community
There’s been talk of a Cyril Rioli comeback and now it’s happening – in red and black. But Hawthorn fans can rest easy, with the four-time premiership star set to step out for his beloved Tiwi Bombers.
AFL News
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Tiwi Bombers general manager Leigh Crossman expects new “recruit’’ Cyril Rioli to line up in a small forward role at the community of Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island tomorrow.
While the Brownlow Medal was the only award to escape the clutches of the four-time Hawthorn premiership player in his 189-game AFL career, his fans on the Tiwi Islands are expected to flock to tomorrow’s 1.30pm (NT time) match between the home side and bottom club Palmerston Magpies.
“The plan is Cyril will play his first game for the Tiwi Bombers, which is huge news for the footy community but probably more importantly the Tiwi community,’’ Crossman told the NT News.
Stream over 50 sports Live & On-Demand with KAYO SPORTS on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Just $25/month, no lock-in contract. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly >
“When word got out he was going to play the community started buzzing on what is going to happen tomorrow and where he’ll play.
“That’s the most pleasing thing for us, we’re a community club and we’re here for the Tiwi people and for Cyril to be playing in front of his own people in the red and black of the Bombers is really special.’’
Crossman said Rioli was right to go despite not playing in a competitive match since hurting his left knee against Melbourne in a 2018 match at the MCG.
“Cyril’s been training in his role as an assistant coach so there’s no problem with his fitness and as a result he’s really excited about what’s going to take place,’’ he added.
MORE NEWS:
2020 AFL fixture: See how difficult your club’s fixture is
Gary Buckenara analyses Hawthorn’s list after the 2019 season
Which delisted players could get a chance at another AFL club?
“I think he’s going to be lining up in the forward line, but that’s not my domain it’s in the hands of (joint coaches) Shane Tipuamantimirri and Jamie Scrymgour, the important thing for the team is we’re just happy to have him.
“It’s a must-win game for the club after winning just one of our first four matches, but the reality is we’re much more than just a football team, we’re an avenue for the Tiwi people and we’ll be taking that attitude, with Cyril, on to Tiwi Oval tomorrow.’’
Originally published as Cyril Rioli’s debut with the Tiwi Bombers a plus for the footy club and the community