HAWTHORN dynamo Cyril Rioli says his life as a League footballer sometimes feels more like a dream than reality.

Rioli has played 28 matches straight since his debut in 2008, a period the premiership player describes as surreal.

"Last year, playing a few games, I couldn't believe it … I played 25 games and this year I've played the first three," Rioli said.

"Sometimes I've got to give myself a whack and realise that I'm living my dream now and things are pretty good.

"I didn't really come in expecting too much, but when I got to the club after being drafted, my goal was to have a good pre-season … Ever since then, I've just worked hard”.

The Northern Territorian, who claimed 18 touches during Hawthorn's 54-point win over North Melbourne at Docklands on Sunday, said he is now enjoying mixing his time between the midfield and up forward.

"I like the forward line, but if people go down or Sam Mitchell needs a rest, I'm happy to go into the midfield," Rioli said.

"I am [enjoying it in the midfield] with Sammy Mitchell and Chance Bateman – it's a lot of fun – and they tell you to keep running, so the midfield is going pretty good."

As for playing in Hawthorn's first win this year, Rioli said it came after an intensive hit-out.

"We came in with two losses and we knew we needed the win and we came out firing in the first quarter and stuck to our game-plan and we came off pretty good," he said.

"We've still got 'Sewelly' (Brad Sewell) out and Xavier Ellis was out [during the match] today, plus we've also got Robbie Campbell out, so it gives the younger guys some games."