THERE are plenty of words used to describe Cyril Rioli and his incredible feats on the football field.
Brilliant, special… and dare it be said, delicious, are just some that come to mind to characterise a man who will play his 150th AFL match for Hawthorn on Saturday.
In 149 games, Rioli has compiled a highlights reel that is no doubt the envy of most footballers who have ever pulled on the boots.
But if there’s one word teammate and good mate Paul Puopolo would use to describe the ingenious small forward with a knack for the miraculous, it’s selfless.
“Cyril’s a bit like the way he plays on the field,” Puopolo said.
“He does all that spectacular stuff that everyone loves to see, but if you ask him about it, as a person, he’s just down to earth.
“Being real close mates with him and playing alongside him, even the stuff he does on the field for his teammates, he’s just very selfless.
“That’s what he’s like off the field too – he’s always willing to help people.
“He does whatever he needs to do for his family or friends, he’s just a kind bloke.”
Puopolo has become accustomed to playing alongside Rioli – and accustomed to his brilliance.
If there’s one moment that stands out in his mind, it was a mark and goal from last season.
“He took a mark against Fremantle – a hanger - but then the first thing he did was play on and kick the goal,” Puopolo said.
“Most people would sit back and think, ‘I took a hanger, I better go back and kick this,’ but he just got straight on with it, played on and snapped it around his body.
“It’s pretty special to be able to do things like that.”
But it’s Rioli’s team-first attitude that endears him most to fellow small forward Puopolo and his fellow Hawks.
“It’s always good to have someone alongside you who’s running down, chasing players,” he said.
“Sometimes when you’ve got no effort to go, you see him run past you and lay a tackle and it’s pretty inspiring stuff.
“That’s what everybody loves about him – he’s so selfless.”
Puopolo hopes the Hawks will be able to celebrate Rioli’s milestone with a win against West Coast Eagles on Saturday.
He says the Cyril he knows wont approach it any differently to any other game.
“For him, it will be about putting the team first,” Puopolo said.
“He’s a great friend, he’s a great player and it’s a great milestone for him – but I reckon there will be a lot more to come.”
