Shock reveal Rioli thought-about AFL comeback, reunion with Clarkson at Roos simply weeks earlier than racism saga broke
Newly launched textual content messages have revealed Hawthorn nice Cyril Rioli was ‘ and eager’ on a reunion with Alastair Clarkson at North Melbourne, mere weeks earlier than being concerned in allegations of racism towards the legendary Hawks coach.
Rioli, who retired after 189 video games and 4 premierships with the Hawks in 2018 at simply 28 years previous, was amongst a gaggle of ex-Hawthorn Indigenous gamers who levelled shock claims towards Clarkson and different senior Hawks figures, together with present Brisbane coach Chris Fagan, to start an notorious racism saga in September 2022.
The saga noticed each Clarkson and Fagan briefly step down from their roles at North Melbourne and the Lions respectively, with Clarkson taking a go away of absence for a lot of the 2023 season.
The matter finish late final 12 months after the ex-players took an announcement of declare to Federal Court docket, reaching a settlement the place the allegations had been by no means confirmed to be true or false. The Hawks launched a membership assertion apologising to the gamers, together with Rioli, whereas Clarkson, Fagan and others implicated have maintained their innocence.
Nonetheless, the Herald Solar have revealed a collection of texts between Rioli and Clarkson exploring the opportunity of Rioli returning to AFL soccer on the Kangaroos in August and September 2022 – simply earlier than Clarkson was formally appointed as coach of the Roos, and mere weeks earlier than the racism allegations had been made public.
“How are you going Junior [Rioli]? Nonetheless eager [on a comeback]?” reads one in all Clarkson’s messages, with Rioli replying that he was ‘ and eager’.
Clarkson instructed Rioli he would solely commit an inventory spot to the then-33 12 months previous if he may decide to coaching and bettering his health over the low season, with the 2015 Norm Smith Medallist admitting he would want one other 12 months to take action.
He then enquired about becoming a member of the Kangaroos in an off-field capability as an Indigenous mentor or liaison officer.
Nonetheless, the communication ended simply earlier than the extraordinary allegations had been made towards the four-time premiership coach.
In response to the Herald Solar, Clarkson and Rioli haven’t spoken since then, though Clarkson reportedly made efforts to examine on Rioli’s wellbeing.
