Wednesday, 10 January 2018: Hawthorn star Cyril Rioli who has been on compassionate leave to look after his ill father should return to the AFL club in the short term after eventful few months.

Cyril Rioli of the Hawks kicks the ball during the round one AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Hawthorn Hawks March 25, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia.

Rioli managed only seven games last season due to injury and family health concerns.
In a more recent event Hawthorn granted him compassionate leave in November after his father underwent major surgery.
Teammate Luke Breust is eager for the top forward's return and expects him to be back at the club in the next few weeks where Rioli is expected to rejoin the team and train as usual.
The Hawks are aiming high after missing the finals last year with president Jeff Kennett unveiling a bold strategy of winning two more flags in the next five years.
Hawthorn are the only AFL club to win premierships in every decade staring from 1960 and their triple wins from 2013-15 have taken their flag total to 13.
According to Breust players in the form of Ben McEvoy, Taylor Duryea, Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O'Meara have put their hands up to fill the recent voids created by departure of senior players at the club.