CYRIL Rioli has moved into equal tenth position in the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year award after receiving the maximum 10 votes from the coaches for his best on ground performance in the win over Richmond on Sunday.

The dynamic Hawks forward kicked four goals in the third term to break the game open and strengthen Hawthorn’s stranglehold on the game before running out 66-point winners.

But it wasn’t just the brilliant goals Rioli kicked that made him the best player on the ground according to Alastair Clarkson and Damian Hardwick, with his pressure around the ball equally impressive.

His first half in particular was good on the defensive side and his work rate was enormous, which led to his ability to get reward for effort in the third quarter. He, Paul Puopolo and Bradley Hill were crucial in their ability to pressure the Tiger defence and force turnovers that resulted in Hawthorn scores.

Rioli laid six tackles and had three one percenters for the game along with 17 disposals and 100 per cent efficiency and a goal assist.

He received the maximum five votes from both coaches.

Captain Luke Hodge was deemed the second most influential player on the ground with his role in the midfield and defence.

Hodge provided excellent leadership when in defence and consistently dropped in the space in front of the Richmond forwards to make in near impossible for them to mark the ball within scoring range.

He was also Hawthorn’s second most prolific ball winner on the day with 30 disposals, seven clearances, two centre clearances, six one percenters, four inside 50s and two goals.

Ruckman Ben McEvoy had his best game for the Club, with his ruck work and mobility around the ground making him one of Hawthorn’s best.

McEvoy spent time in defence, filling the space in front of Richmond’s forwards and was also a crucial link-up player through the midfield with 22 disposals and six marks. He also had 22 hit outs.

The former Saint received five votes from the coaches.

In his 250^th game, Sam Mitchell received four votes for his 36 disposals, 12 marks, four clearances, four tackles and four inside 50s, while young defenders Taylor Duryea received two votes for his role in defence.

Duryea also took on a more attacking role on Sunday and pushed further up the ground to use his prolific left foot. He had 19 disposals.

Shaun Burgoyne also received a vote in his 250^th game and David Hale returned to form with 14 disposals and two goals to receive one vote.

The votes: Richmond v Hawthorn
10 Rioli (Haw)
7 Hodge (Haw)
5 McEvoy (Haw)
4 Mitchell (Haw)
2 Duryea (Haw)
1 Burgoyne (Haw)
1 Hale (Haw)

Round 6 Leaderboard
40 Gary Ablett (Gold Coast)
34 Joel Selwood (Geelong)
30 Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda)
27 Steve Johnson (Geelong)
25 Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood)
24 Nathan Fyfe (Fremantle)
23 Travis Boak (Port Adelaide)
23 Trent Cotchin (Richmond)
23 Nathan Jones (Melbourne)
22 Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn)
22 Matthew Priddis (West Coast)
22 Cyril Rioli (Hawthorn)