HAWTHORN star Cyril Rioli says he can’t wait to play in Saturday’s clash against the Eagles after overcoming a hamstring injury.
Rioli was injured in the third quarter against the Swans in Round 8, with many speculating the Hawthorn dynamo would spend at least two months out due to his previous hamstring issues.
But just three weeks after the injury, Rioli is one of four inclusions for the Hawks on Saturday, joining Jordan Lewis and Matt Spangher who also return from injury and debutant ruckman Luke Lowden.
“I’m looking forward to getting back out there and playing some footy,” Rioli told hawthornfc.com.au ahead of his return.
“It’s been a bit frustrating being on the sidelines but rehab has been good.
“I’ve been looking after my leg and it’s great to be making my return down in Tasmania against the Eagles.”
Rioli was back running just a week after sustaining the injury and ramped up his training last week when he joined in full skills with his teammates.
His short stint on the sidelines has left him confident in his body that he’s ready to make an impact for the Hawks at Aurora Stadium.
“Everyone at first thought it could have been like last year’s but it’s only been three weeks,” he said. “I’ve looked after it pretty well so this week I’m back and ready to go.
“I was back running a week after the injury, which wasn’t too bad and then from there I gradually lifted intensity and the last week I’ve done a lot of aerobic work.”
“About a week ago I started kicking the footys and a few days ago got back into skills, which I was very happy about.
“My body is feeling good, I’m feeling confident and looking forward to Saturday.”
During his time on the sidelines, Rioli watched his teammates suffer consecutive losses against the Swans and Power before scraping home against GWS last Sunday at the MCG.
He admits it was frustrating to see his teammates lose, particularly when he was sitting on the bench through injury against the Swans.
“It’s been frustrating to watch the two losses, especially the one where I did it because I was watching half the game from the bench and seeing them lose,” he said.
But now he’s ready to make an impact in the forward line and pick up where he left off as one of the Hawks’ most dangerous players.
“Definitely (excitement is) a 10 out of 10 – I love footy, it’s what we do,” he said.
“I felt like I was having a really good run with my footy so hopefully I can pick that up again.
“I’ll be back in the forward line to hopefully kick a few goals but my main aim is to lay some tackles and set a few goals up.
That’s what I go into every game wanting to do and it’s my main goal on Saturday.”
