In brief
AFL matches: 24
Disposals per game: 15.3
Kicks per game: 9.7
One-percenters per game: 2.6
Inside 50s per game: 3.2
Marks per game: 4.3
Tackles per game: 4.3
Goal assists: 26
Goals: 42
Review
THERE are few players in the competition who can impact a match with just a dozen disposals, as Cyril Rioli can.
And the superstar Hawk proved his ability to do just that, repeatedly, in 2015.
The 26-year-old had an exceptional season, in which he finished runner-up in the Peter Crimmins Medal, became a dual All Australian and won a fourth premiership with the Hawks.
After injuries restricted Rioli to just 12 games in 2014, he found another gear in the season just completed, building his fitness base to be a regular contributor across 24 matches.
Leading into the finals, the exciting midfielder-forward said his hard work over the pre-season had paid off.
"I feel being out there every week has definitely helped," Rioli said.
"Certainly the pre-season I had, I worked on a lot of my leg stuff. (I was) fully confident leading into the season. Just being out there week-to-week has given me a lot of confidence."
Rioli impacted the scoreboard in all bar two games during the season, kicking a career-best six goals against Geelong Cats in Round 20.
A five-goal haul in Round 14 against Collingwood, to go with 10 disposals and four tackles, helped seal a narrow win.
Averaging 15.3 disposals, 1.7 goals and 4.3 tackles per game, Rioli matched his ability to pull off the spectacular with incredible consistency.
He also led the way at the club for goal assists (26) to complement a career-best haul of 42 goals for the season.
But his best performances were arguably saved for last.
Rioli starred in the Hawks’ preliminary final win over Fremantle Dockers, kicking three goals from 19 disposals. He swooped on a defensive fumble from Docker Tom Sheridan to all but put the game out of the hosts’ reach.
On grand final day, he was even better – and rewarded for his efforts with the Norm Smith Medal (and a perfect 16-vote haul from the coaches in Peter Crimmins Medal voting, the only time 16 votes were awarded to any player in any game throughout the year).
Rioli had 18 disposals, 12 marks and two goals to his name - but measuring his performance in statistics doesn’t do him justice.
A sensational handball intercept at half forward was just one of many highlights, which also included an inspiring chase and tackle on unsuspecting Eagle Mark Hutchings.
Both pressure acts brought teammates into the game and led to Hawthorn goals, converted by Jack Gunston.
Rioli has had plenty of dynamic seasons since playing every game of his debut year, 2008.
But with all he achieved in 2015, it’s hard to look past it as his best.
GM - Football Operations Chris Fagan says...
“He had a fantastic year after missing so many games last year with hamstring problems,” Fagan said.
“To play pretty much every game this year at the standard he did, to be an All Australian, a Norm Smith Medallist and runner-up in our own best and fairest, it doesn’t get much better than that.
“He’s one of the most exciting players in the AFL and he’s a humble champion, we love him for that.
“He’s one of, if not the best player we’ve seen without the ball in his hands, because he just causes so much chaos when he’s around with his tackling and smothering ability.
“He’s just a good team man, a really unselfish player who will always centre the ball and give others an opportunity. A brilliant year by him and well deserved.”
In the news
VIDEO: Ask a Hawk: Cyril Rioli
NEWS: Cyril Rioli reaches 150 games
VIDEO: Rioli 150: Hawks commentate Cyril moments
