Cyril Rioli is in line for a shock return after 12 weeks out with a hamstring injury.
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Hawthorn speed machine Cyril Rioli could make a return against Port Adelaide in Saturday’s preliminary final if passed fit to play, says teammate Jack Gunston.
Rioli has not played since suffering a hamstring injury in round 15, but is in line to make a comeback in the do-or-die clash at the MCG.
The small forward will be put through his paces Monday when he re-joins teammates for a full training session at Waverley.
“He’s always up and about, Cyril. He’s ready to go, he’s trained pretty well lately,” Gunston said.
“Hopefully he can get through the session today, I think he’s joining the main group and he’s going to do a full session.
“I think he was about 80 or 90 per cent last week and hopefully he can get through the session today.”
If Rioli does make feature on Saturday it will be his first AFL senior game in 12 weeks, however Gunston says the 25-year-old should have no issues matching the pace of the game.
“I’m sure Cyril won’t have an issue,” Gunston said.
“He’s an explosive player and he’s always got great touch and great feel out there in the game,” Gunston said.
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