Cyril Rioli Set to Make Special Public Appearance at Indigenous All Stars Match

Retired Hawthorn legend Cyril Rioli is set to make a rare public appearance at the AFL All Stars match in Perth this Saturday afternoon.

The four-time premiership champion with the Hawks has seldom been seen in public since hanging up his boots in 2018, and he currently resides in Darwin.

As reported by The Age, Rioli is among a select group of esteemed Indigenous players invited to the event, which will also host the likes of Nicky Winmar, Michael Long, and Michael McLean.

While Adam Goodes and Lance Franklin were also invited, both opted to decline the invitation.

Since retiring in 2015, Goodes has steered clear of official AFL functions, a decision stemming from the persistent booing he faced from crowds during his final two seasons. He even missed his own Hall of Fame induction.

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, currently on a mental health break from the AFL, will also be present and has integrated himself into the Indigenous side’s camp as it readies for the match.

Rioli’s attendance follows his recent legal settlement with the Hawks concerning allegations of mistreatment.

Though he was seen in the crowd during a Gold Coast vs. Geelong match in Darwin last May, he was there as a paying spectator.

The Indigenous All Stars are set to clash with Fremantle at 7:30 PM AEDT on Saturday.