Cyril Rioli has declared himself available for Hawthorn’s third Grand Final in as many years.
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Hawthorn forward star Cyril Rioli has declared himself fit for Saturday’s AFL Grand Final against Sydney.
Rioli returned to football on Sunday and played his first game for the Hawks’ VFL affiliates Box Hill after three months out with a hamstring injury.
The 25-year-old had to prove his fitness leading into the VFL Grand Final loss to Footscray, however the two-time AFL premiership winner was protected.
He played the first three quarters of the match, but was left out of the final quarter entirely despite the it being a tight contest.
Rioli was rested twice in each quarter before being sat on the bench after three-quarter time.
He said post-match that he would tell Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson that he would be ready for Hawthorn’s third Grand Final in as many years.
“I’d say I’m ready. As I said, I eased into it, out on the ground I hit some speed which I was very happy with,” Rioli said.
“I’m just glad it held up and hopefully I’m playing next week.”
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