MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 26: Cyril Rioli of the Hawks looks on during the AFL 2017 JLT Community Series match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Hawthorn Hawks at Arden Street Oval on February 26, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Hawthorn star Cyril Rioli has been granted compassionate leave by the club due to family reasons.

Rioli will return home to spend time with his family as his father recovers from heart surgery. His father suffered a heart attack late last month.

"It has obviously been a very tough period for the Rioli family and we are doing all we can to support them as Cyril Snr continues his recovery," Hawthorn football manager Jason Burt said in a statement.

"We fully understand Cyril’s desire to be with his family at this time and as such have granted him compassionate leave for as long as he requires.

"Cyril’s wellbeing is our number one priority and we ask that he and his family’s privacy be respected at this time."

The Hawks are due to return to pre-season training on Monday.