The former Hawks skipper says he doesn’t envy those who will make the final call on Rioli for Saturday’s Grand Final.
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Hawthorn star Sam Mitchell says he does not envy those charged with making the final decision on livewire teammate Cyril Rioli ahead of this Saturday’s grand final.
Rioli has not played an AFL game since injuring his hamstring back in round 16, but is in line for a recall for the biggest game of the year after getting through three quarters of Box Hill’s VFL grand final defeat to Footscray on Sunday.
“It’s not about absolutely firing. For Cyril, it’s not about getting best on ground or kicking five goals or setting up five goals,” he said.
“It’s about whether or not we think he can play his role.
“That’s the decision and I’m very, very thankful it’s not mine because it would be very difficult to leave Cyril out of a Grand Final.
“It’s going to come down to a honest conversation, and for anyone that knows Cyril, he’d be the first to put his hand up and say he’s not ready.
“If he says he is, it’s a decision to make for the match committee, and if he can play his role to a level that’s better than whoever he replaces, he plays.”
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