Hawthorn Football Club is saddened to learn the passing of Willie Rioli Snr.

Rioli Snr joined Hawthorn with Pick 48 in the 1990 national draft.

Despite never playing a senior game, he was a listed player at the club for the 1991 season.

Along with being a loving father and grandfather, Rioli Snr was also the uncle to four-time premiership Hawk Cyril Rioli.

Hawthorn extends its sincere condolences to Rioli Snr’s family and friends, and the club's thoughts are with them at this difficult time.