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.

Hawthorn's four-time premiership player Cyril Rioli celebrates a goal. He will line up for the Tiwi Bombers against Palmerston tomorrow. Picture: Michael Klein

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.

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Cyril Rioli will step out for the Tiwi Bombers. Pic: AAP

“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.

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“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.’’