Newly released text messages have revealed Hawthorn great Cyril Rioli was ‘interested and keen’ on a reunion with Alastair Clarkson at North Melbourne, mere weeks before being involved in allegations of racism against the legendary Hawks coach.
Rioli, who retired after 189 games and four premierships with the Hawks in 2018 at just 28 years old, was among a group of ex-Hawthorn Indigenous players who levelled shock claims against Clarkson and other senior Hawks figures, including current Brisbane coach Chris Fagan, to begin an infamous racism saga in September 2022.
The saga saw both Clarkson and Fagan briefly step down from their roles at North Melbourne and the Lions respectively, with Clarkson taking a leave of absence for much of the 2023 season.
The matter end late last year after the ex-players took a statement of claim to Federal Court, reaching a settlement where the allegations were never confirmed to be true or false. The Hawks released a club statement apologising to the players, including Rioli, while Clarkson, Fagan and others implicated have maintained their innocence.
However, the Herald Sun have revealed a series of texts between Rioli and Clarkson exploring the possibility of Rioli returning to AFL football at the Kangaroos in August and September 2022 – just before Clarkson was officially appointed as coach of the Roos, and mere weeks before the racism allegations were made public.
“How are you going Junior [Rioli]? Still keen [on a comeback]?” reads one of Clarkson’s messages, with Rioli replying that he was ‘interested and keen’.
Clarkson told Rioli he would only commit a list spot to the then-33 year old if he could commit to training and improving his fitness over the off-season, with the 2015 Norm Smith Medallist admitting he would need another year to do so.
He then enquired about joining the Kangaroos in an off-field capacity as an Indigenous mentor or liaison officer.
However, the communication ended just before the extraordinary allegations were made against the four-time premiership coach.
According to the Herald Sun, Clarkson and Rioli have not spoken since then, although Clarkson reportedly made efforts to check on Rioli’s wellbeing.
