Young duo extend their contract with the Hawks
Thel Club is pleased to announce youngsters Cyril Rioli and Ben Stratton have both signaled their commitment to the brown and gold.
Hawthorn Football Club is pleased to announce youngsters Cyril Rioli and Ben Stratton have both signaled their commitment to the brown and gold, agreeing to terms for contract extensions at the Club.
Explosive forward Cyril Rioli has extended his contract for two years, as has impressive defender Ben Stratton. Neither of the players’ current deals were due to conclude at the end of the year.
The extensions were announced by GM - Football Operations Mark Evans to a select group of Hawthorn Football Club members at an exclusive ‘Inside the Huddle’ forum tonight.
“We’re delighted to have extended the contracts of two talented young players and believe it delivers an extremely strong message of commitment to the Club and our aspirations for success,” Evans said.
“This announcement is a significant commitment from two important members of our team who will play an integral part in the long-term future of Hawthorn Football Club and provides us with a strong framework moving forward.”
Cyril Rioli made his AFL debut in 2008, playing every game in Hawthorn’s premiership season and finished runner up in the AFL Rising Star Award that year.
The 22-year-old said he had no hesitation in extending his contract with the Hawks.
“We’ve got a great group of guys at the Club who are all hungry for success and I’m glad to have my place on the journey secured for the next couple of years,” Rioli said.
Recruited in 2010, Ben Stratton proved to be a revelation in his first year at the Club, playing every game after he debuted in Round 3.
Having suffered a serious knee injury just three games into the 2011 season, the promising defender was delighted to confirm his future would be in the brown and gold.
“With a really exciting mix of good youngsters and experienced senior players, an innovative coaching group and great facilities, I’m thrilled to extend my commitment to the Club,” said Stratton.
Senior Coach Alastair Clarkson said this commitment from two of the Club’s young players sent a positive message to the rest of the playing group and to Hawks members and supporters.
“Both Cyril and Ben have proved in their short careers they’re excellent ambassadors for our footy Club both on and off the field, and we’re rapt they’ve committed for a couple more years,” Clarkson said.
