Cyril Rioli is an excitement machine and he provided fans with a number of additions to his highlight reel in 2012.
The dangerous forward used his pace, skills and clean hands to the best of his ability in 2012 and had an impact both up forward and in the midfield for the Hawks.
His performances highlighted why he needs only a few touches of the footy, or not even to get his hands on the ball to have an impact, to turn a game on its head in favour of the Hawks.
It was the Round 8 win over Fremantle in Launceston that best illustrated that ability, when he collected a modest 14 disposals, but laid eight tackles and kicked two goals to be one of the best on ground.
Of course there were the high flying marks - like the one over Heath Shaw in Round 1, and the unbelievable goals but in 2012 it was Rioli’s work ethic, his tackling, his ability to impact games in roles he had only just become accustomed.
His tackling pressure and pressure around the ball has always been a highlight of his game, but he seemed to take it to another level last season. His best effort, 14 tackles against Port Adelaide in Round 11, and three nine tackle efforts in rounds 12, 15 and 18.
Then there was his impact in the midfield, a position in which he spent prolonged periods as Alastair Clarkson begins to experiment with the dynamo.
Rioli is one of the best readers of the ball, he’s quick off the mark and is clean when under pressure - a prototype for the modern day midfielder.
In the Round 17 win over Collingwood, Rioli was one of Hawthorn’s most damaging players despite gathering only 19 disposals. But, he also laid eight tackles, had four clearances and kicked a goal to easily be among the best Hawks on the ground.
Then, there was his impact in the Preliminary Final against Adelaide when Hawthorn needed a spark, someone to galvanise the team in the dying minutes.
He and Shaun Burgoyne stepped up.
Rioli marked Burgoyne’s kick and converted the goal with little fuss to put Hawthorn back in front. Then, he gathered a loose ball with one hand at half forward and continued running at pace to set up Lance Franklin for the sealing goal.
In simple terms, Rioli had an excellent season in which he was recognised by All Australian selectors, earning a place on the half forward line in the 2012 All Australian team.
He finished sixth in the Club’s best and fairest, the Peter Crimmins Medal despite missing two matches at the tail end of the season.
If it’s possible, Rioli had added another string to his bow with his ability to dominate in the midfield and become an electrifying clearance machine that will have opposition side’s shaking.
In 2013, he could play a more vital role in the Hawks’ midfield set up, handing the small forward reigns to Paul Puopolo and Luke Breust - but a strong pre-season on the track and in the weights room may beckon if that’s the case.
| GA | K | H | D | DE% | CP | UP | M | CL | T | I50 | G | PCM | |
| 2012 averages | 23 | 9.5 | 6.2 | 15.7 | 76 | 8.7 | 7.5 | 3.3 | 2.3 | 5.3 | 3.9 | 1.7 | 129 |
You can't catch me: Rioli turns on the afterburners to run away from St Kilda's Leigh Montagna.
Rioli in the news in 2012
Rioli admits: 'I was pretty fatigued' Videos featuring Rioli in 2012
Rioli tackles hard Rioli flies high Rioli dribbles it homeHow did you rate Rioli's 2012 season? Leave your view below.
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