HAWTHORN star Cyril Rioli was happy to play one AFL game.
On Saturday, Hawthorn will take on the West Coast Eagles, and the much-loved Hawk with a highlights reel to match anyone in the game will step onto Domain Stadium to play game 150.
It’s been a long journey – but an enjoyable one – for the three-time premiership Hawk, who is now in his eighth season of AFL football.
“To reach my first game I felt like it was a huge achievement, but to be playing game 150 against the Eagles it’s pretty exciting,” Rioli said.
“When I played my first game it was just week-to-week stuff.
“Crossing the 150 mark didn’t even cross my mind.
“It’s been a long journey and I’ve had a lot of success, and hopefully there’s a lot more success to come.”
WATCH: Cyril 150 - The media have their say
Rioli’s journey to Hawthorn began in the Tiwi Islands, and has taken him via Darwin and Melbourne’s Scotch College.
The 26-year-old made his debut in Round 1, 2008, after being recruited with pick 12 – Hawthorn’s first selection – in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft.
Rioli played every game in his debut season, including the Hawks’ grand final triumph, and hasn’t looked back.
“I’ve been lucky to play with some really good players,” he said.
“In my first year I had the pleasure of playing alongside some guys who are still here, but also guys like Shane Crawford and Chance Bateman, who was a big influence on my career.”
The humble Hawk says he’s become “a lot older and a lot wiser” since his early days at the club.
He credits a real team focus to his development as a footballer.
“When you come in, you don’t really know the ropes, but I’ve been here long enough now and know the Hawthorn way,” Rioli said.
“I’m sort of just someone who plays on instinct.
WATCH: Cyril 150 - Rioli's top five goals
“I just go out there to play for the team.
“Sticking to the system and playing the Hawthorn way is what I’m all about.”
Hamstring injuries have hampered Rioli from time to time, but a big pre-season prior to 2015 has seen him play 16 of a possible 17 games this season.
The game Rioli missed was due to a close friend’s funeral in Round 13 – but he returned to produce a match-winning five-goal performance against Collingwood a week later.
Confidence in his body has contributed to a consistent season, where he is averaging 15 disposals, 4.4 tackles and 1.6 goals per game.
“It was a huge pre-season and we went into that with the main focus of working a lot harder on my legs,” Rioli said.
“We set out a plan and stuck to that over the pre-season, and I’ve strung together a few games this season.
“The work that I’ve done during the pre-season and through the season has given me a lot of confidence in my body.
“I’m just going to keep working hard and sticking to what I know best – not trying to go out of what I’ve been doing lately because it’s something that’s been working well for me.”
As anyone who has watched Rioli play knows, counting his statistics are almost irrelevant.
He’s one of few players in the competition who can have an enormous impact on any game with very few touches.
WATCH: Cyril 150 - Triple M's take on Rioli
The proud Hawk – who says there are too many people to thank for helping him get to where he is today, including his wife, friends, family, teammates and coaches among them – says team success contributes to drive him on his journey.
Both Rioli and Hawthorn fans hope that journey has a way to run yet.
“Hopefully we can keep winning, get towards the end of the season and try to snatch another flag,” Rioli said.
“I’m just so glad to be a part of this club and hopefully I can continue my career here and finish it here with the Hawks.”
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