Commentator Matthew Lloyd had gone as far on Sunday to ask if Rioli was over-rated, following two quiet weeks for the Hawthorn utility.
But Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson said Rioli lacked support from team-mates in last week’s loss to Geelong.
“Last week he worked really, really hard for us defensively,” Clarkson said.
“But he was having to do too much work on the defensive side of his game and was chasing a lot.
“It made it tough for him to be as dangerous as we would like when we have the footy.
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“Despite what’s written and said about Cyril, we’re pleased with the role he plays for us.”
With a lot more Hawks players putting enough pressure on the opposition, it freed Rioli to cut loose.
Clarkson said one of the most pleasing aspects of the win was keeping Richmond to only seven goals.
The other was beating a team who had won their previous two matches against the Hawks.
“Us being to able to suffocate the way they like to play was really important for us today,” Clarkson said.
The only negative out of the game for Hawthorn was Josh Gibson’s report for charging.
He seems certain to be suspended after he cannnoned into Reece Conca a few minutes before the final siren.
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The heavy collision sparked a melee that will also come under video review.
The loss left the Tigers in deepening trouble with only two wins from six games.
Once again, turnovers killed any chance they had.
After a slow start, they matched the Hawks in the second term.
But two goals in less than two minutes at the start of the third term to Rioli and David Hale killed any chance Richmond had.
“They’re a good side, a premiership obviously last year and they look well on the way to that again this year,” Tigers coach Damien Hardwick said of the Hawks.
Captain Luke Hodge also starred for Hawthorn while Tigers midfielder Brandon Ellis impressed with 32 disposals.