Rioli is expected to be sidelined for up to three weeks with a shoulder injury sustained in last Sunday’s win over Port Adelaide in Launceston.
Cameron admits that being without a player of Rioli’s calibre is a blow, the depth in the Hawthorn list can cover his loss - starting with the inclusion of Lance Franklin.
“Cyril going out, he’s obviously a quality player for us but regaining a player of the ilk of Franklin is fantastic for our group,” Cameron said.
“A lot of our players are in good form, and we’ve got about five or six at Box Hill who are in really good form as well.
“That really helps and the sign of a good side is if you have that depth always to cover [injured players].”
The Hawks have the luxury of choosing from a number of players to cover Rioli, with small forwards Luke Breust and Paul Puopolo in good form.
After losing Rioli at half time against the Power, Puopolo stepped into the small forward’s role and performed it with aplomb.
He booted five goals to be one of the Hawks’ best in the 72-point win.
“It was good to see Poppy kick five goals,” Cameron said.
“He’s got outstanding forward pressure and that’s one thing that supporters probably look at and say ‘he just tackles really hard and chases really well’.
“For him to bag five was just a great effort.”
Breust is another player Cameron anticipates that can step into the hole left by Rioli, with the forward able to also spend time in the midfield.
Cameron believes that the 21-year-old’s work rate is underrated by most.
“His work rate is really good, he’s put two really good pre-seasons together, which allows his body to keep backing up each week,” Cameron said.
“People underestimate Luke and his ability to run and also carry the footy and tackle.
“For a bloke to kick over 30 goals two years in a row is a really good result for us.
“We’re rapt with Punky.”
The Hawks expect each of the 22 selected players, however, to play their role in the coming weeks to cover the loss of Rioli.
And, it’s something that will help the side heading into finals.
“The greatest thing probably with our side is that there’s always that even balance, if someone doesn’t do it one week, then someone can do it the next,” Cameron said.
“That really holds you in good stead for the latter part of the year.”
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