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.
Spanda
Guest
Sayonara Sam Mitchell as my favourite player at the Hawks, Cyril you are a champ and an inspiration and are now No.1 favourite!
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
He's good, but he's not a patch on Maurice.
Wilson
Roar Guru
Great News and Cyril does not need many possessions or that large amount of time to punish a team
Birdman
Guest
Makes a mockery of possession stats - has just as much impact without the ball.
The Finger
Guest
I'm not a Hawks fan, but I love watching Cyril and rate him as one of the reasons that I watch footy - is as explosive as Wayne Carey at times
Penster
Guest
Only 10 touches in the 2014 grand final against Sydney and completely wreaked havoc with Swan's defense and destroyed Kurt Tippett. His highlight reel is like no other, has the deftness of a cat.
AR
Guest
Yes, his performances in the 2008 and 2015 Grand Finals in particular must haunt him.
anon
Guest
Cyril Rioli 22 goals from 19 finals as basically a permanent forward.
Liam
Guest
So his contract will expire when he's 31, the perfect time to be traded for another pick in the 80s.
Birdman
Guest
Brilliant news. Cyril went to another level in 2016 and should have won the Peter Crimmins medal for mine Will retire as the greatest Rioli ever and that's saying something!