The crucial cogs of AFL's Round 7: Which players need to be the difference makers?
We’re taking a look at one player from each team that needs to make a difference this week, starting with the ANZAC Day games.
Cyril Rioli’s contract extension should ensure he’s a one-club player, except Hawthorn have shown that’s now a tenuous AFL concept.
The Hawks announced on Friday the 27-year-old dynamo had re-signed until the end of 2020.
Hawthorn stunned the AFL during the trade period two months ago when they orchestrated Sam Mitchell’s move to Hawthorn and Jordan Lewis’ transfer to Melbourne.
Only days earlier, Mitchell had won the club’s best and fairest award, Lewis was second and Rioli was fifth in the voting.
Rioli told the club website the decision to re-sign was easy.
“I’m very happy where I am, and couldn’t see myself being anywhere else,” Rioli said.
“There was no hesitation after being offered the extension … it was a no-brainer for me and I said yes immediately.”
One of the league’s most exciting players made his AFL debut with Hawthorn in 2008 – the season that ended with their upset grand final win over Geelong.
He’s now a four-time premiership player and won the Norm Smith Medal as best afield in the 2015 grand final.
The Hawks star joined famous uncles Maurice Rioli and Michael Long in winning the medal.
Rioli has overcome persistent hamstring injuries to play 178 games.
He had 21 games this season and kicked 47 goals, earning his third All-Australian selection.
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We’re taking a look at one player from each team that needs to make a difference this week, starting with the ANZAC Day games.
Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.
Collingwood premiership defender Nathan Murphy has been forced into a premature and immediate AFL retirement through concussion to prioritise a "full and healthy life"…
Geelong has been crafty and creative in its list management and has quietly assembled a very exciting young group of midfielders and half-forwards.
Brisbane co-captain Lachie Neale will be looking to lead his team to a victory against Melbourne in what will be his 250th AFL game.
It’s high stakes with five teams having lost their first three games of season 2024, and in desperate need of a win.