CYRIL Rioli is a late withdrawal from Hawthorn's team to face Essendon at the MCG today.

Rioli has been replaced by Will Langford in the Hawks' line-up.

GM - Football Operations Chris Fagan said Rioli is in Darwin for personal reasons.

"Cyril Rioli is a late withdrawal due to the fact he had a family funeral," Fagan said.

Matt Suckling will start as the Hawks sub.