LIVEWIRE forward Cyril Rioli will return for Hawthorn in Friday night’s blockbuster against Essendon at Etihad Stadium having served a one-week suspension from the Grand Final.

Rioli’s inclusion comes at the expense of last week’s debutant, Derick Wanganeen who has been omitted.

A dynamic small forward who has recently spent more time in the midfield, Rioli will be a welcome addition to the side given the pace of the ground under the roof at Etihad Stadium.

One of Essendon’s biggest strengths is its leg speed through the midfield, so Rioli’s inclusion will add some pace and flexibility to the Hawks.

Rioli played in two pre-season NAB Challenges matches in preparation for the season proper before sitting out the final practice match against Melbourne and the Round 1 victory over Brisbane.

Interestingly, the dual premiership player was trialed in defence during the practice matches.

He has had a good pre-season and looks fit and ready to make an impact for the Hawks on Friday night.

Tim O’Brien has been picked to play his second game after making his AFL debut against the Lions last Saturday, while Matt Suckling will play his second game back from a serious knee injury.

Wanganeen, Matt Spangher and Angus Litherland have been named as emergencies.

Essendon v Hawthorn
Friday 28 March
Etihad Stadium, 7.50pm

FB: Hodge Gibson Burgoyne
HB: Suckling Cheney Birchall
C: Shiels Mitchell Hill
HF: Breust Roughead Smith
FF: Gunston Hale Rioli
FOLL: McEvoy Langford Lewis
I/C: Puopolo O'Brien Simpkin Duryea
 

EMERG: Spangher Litherland Wanganeen

IN: C.Rioli
OUT: D.Wanganeen (Omitted)