HAWTHORN star Cyril Rioli says he was driven to deliver a better performance after a quiet season opener against Geelong.

Rioli was among the Hawks’ best against West Coast Eagles in Sunday’s grand final rematch, kicking four goals from 20 disposals.

“Just the game I had last week, I needed to redeem myself… along with all the other guys,” the 26-year-old told hawthornfc.com.au post-game.

“Fortunately today I kicked a few goals, but most importantly we got the win.”

Rioli was back to his devastating best against the Eagles – as were the Hawks – after being restricted to just nine disposals against the Cats in Round 1.

With 12 contested possessions, seven tackles and four clearances, Rioli was just as much ball-winner as finisher inside 50.

He said it was pleasing as a team to deliver against a high-quality opponent in the Eagles.

“The boys are definitely up and about, it’s good to get a win on the board,” Rioli said.

“Last week we sort of flowed through the motions and let Geelong do what they do. This week we definitely turned it around, had a better mindset and played our game style.

“That’s what I think got us over the line.”

The Hawks were in control from the outset, finishing with 165 more disposals and 34 more inside 50s than the Eagles.

Rioli said the Hawks hit the ground running with an aggressive approach to the contest – and made the most of their midfield efforts up forward.

“That was our focus. Geelong got a good start on us last week, so we knew if we had a good start and kept that momentum we were a good chance to win. I think we definitely did that today,” he said.

“We know they’ve got a pretty tall defence, and we knew we just had to out-run them (up forward).

“I think our ball movement was a lot better and more predicable for our forwards, the mids definitely used the ball well to get it to us.”