Former Hawthorn star forward Cyril Rioli reportedly texted ex-coach Alastair Clarkson to plot a comeback to the AFL, just weeks before Rioli's camp alleged explosive racism claims on Clarkson, as well as previous assistant coach, and current Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan.
Rioli was the lead complainant in initiating the claim against Hawthorn, which declared that Clarkson, Fagan, welfare officer Jason Burt, and player development manager Cameron Matthews, separated Indigenous players from their families.
The claims came just months after Rioli exposed previous club president Jeff Kennett's comments on his wife's ripped jeans were the "final straw" and a major reason behind his premature retirement at age 28 in 2018.
In fresh details, the Herald Sun have reported that Rioli allegedly reached out to Clarkson in August of 2022 to discuss a potential comeback to the AFL, as the four-time premiership coach weighed up whether to sign a new coaching deal at the GWS Giants or North Melbourne.
Rioli expressed that he was "interested and keen" to play, with Clarkson lightheartedly asking whether he would rather play in "charcoal and orange" (GWS) "or blue and white" (North Melbourne).
"How are you going Junior? Still keen (on a comeback)?" Clarkson messaged.
"Going all right Clarko. How you going? Yeah, I'm interested and keen. You must be looking close now (to a coaching decision), hey?" Rioli replied.
"Still waiting for your preference. Orange and charcoal or blue and white?" Clarkson quipped.
Following a Rioli text to Clarkson to congratulate him on his five-year deal at the Roos, Clarkson said to the retired Hawk that he would only be considered to be given a list spot if he could demonstrate commitment and fitness levels over the pre-season heading into 2023. Rioli initially agreed, but as the days and weeks drew on, he reportedly conceded he may need another year to build his fitness to AFL level again.
Rioli then raised the prospect of joining North Melbourne in an off-field role such as mentor or Indigenous liaison officer.
The 2015 Norm Smith medallist, 33 at the time, still inquired about future playing or coaching roles too.
Communication between the pair reportedly stopped however, when the racism saga exploded into news headlines before the 2022 grand final.
Clarkson and Fagan stood down from coaching duties for a brief period following the reports, while the club and former players involved in the saga reached a settlement over two years later in November, 2024.
Rioli has since been seen at Darwin-located AFL games, including at Hawthorn's clash against Gold Coast in Round 10.
