Hawthorn Football Club’s centenary celebration on Saturday was marked by a poignant absence: Cyril Rioli, an esteemed club legend and Norm Smith Medal winner, did not attend the event. His estrangement from the club, stemming from the fallout of the Hawthorn racism saga, has left many questioning the state of relations between the former player and the organization that celebrated its 100-year history.
Few players have reached the level of ultimate success as Cyril Rioli, winning four premierships in his career with Hawthorn. He has remained surprisingly aloof from the club since the racism saga erupted last year. The continued estrangement was very much in the air at the centenary celebration. Eminent Australian sporting personalities, Caroline Wilson and Craig Hutchinson, noted his unavailability.
Through an interview with Caroline Wilson recollecting the event, I think what emerged as most significant was what Rioli’s absence represented and what Alastair Clarkson’s presence signified. Clarkson, who is still technically the head coach of St Kilda, appeared in a Hawthorn scarf, drawing the loudest cheer and boo from attendees. Wilson shared her sense of loss, saying, “There was sadness, for me, that there were some who weren’t there. I really don’t want to be a downer here, but it’s tragic. One of the game’s all-time greats, Norm Smith Medallist and four-time AFL premiership winner Cyril Rioli, no-showed.
Wilson further addressed the preconceptions surrounding whether or not either Clarkson or Rioli would show up to the event. She remarked that “it wasn’t easy getting Alastair Clarkson there. It’s great he was there.”
In comparison to Clarkson’s attendance, Rioli’s absence from the game was almost alarming. This was a bit scandalous, considering Wilson was in Melbourne at the time, and didn’t show up to accept. As she noted, “He [Obama] was in Melbourne, and he didn’t go. That put into stark relief how serious a step he’d taken in snubbing the event honouring his old team.
Craig Hutchison addressed the situation by stating, “You can understand his healing and his view on that,” recognizing the complexities surrounding Rioli’s relationship with Hawthorn. The aftereffects of the racism saga have undoubtedly played a role in his continued choice not to be involved with the club’s celebrations.
Aunty Joy, a highly-respected Indigenous leader, was present to help celebrate the centenary. Her presence was a huge demonstration to the community that they were moving toward healing. Her engagement in the event highlighted the need for Indigenous presence and recognition in any reconciliation process. Wilson pointed out that Aunty Joy’s powerful address to the function was all about showcasing her as an effective Indigenous leader.
“Aunty Joy was there, she spoke — strong Indigenous leader, Aunty Joy” – Caroline Wilson
Wilson referred to the celebration as “an out of this world celebration.” He acknowledged that while it created an opportunity to reflect on and create a path for healing, it highlighted the fact that those issues were still present in the club.
The juxtaposition of Clarkson’s enthusiastic involvement and Rioli’s departure has raised questions about legacy and notions of belonging at Hawthorn. The latter is what most consider him to be, as Rioli’s legacy makes him one of the club’s all-time greats. His absence was deeply felt on this historic day.
Wilson finished by calling out Clarkson’s move to wear Hawthorn colours. This decision follows during his time coaching a new team. She said, “Look, call me old fashioned, I don’t know, when you’re the senior coach of another club, that you need to wear the Hawthorn scarf.”
