HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson has revealed he sent a cheeky text message to retired star Cyril Rioli, in an attempt to lure him back for finals.

The four-time premiership Hawk announced his retirement in July this year, and has returned to Darwin to be with his family.

The Hawks secured a double chance following a narrow win over Sydney in round 23, setting up a historic first final against reigning premiers Richmond at the MCG on Thursday, September 6. 

Rioli, who was awarded the Norm Smith Medal in Hawthorn's last premiership back in 2015, would be more than a handy inclusion for the Hawks.

The coach admitted he had reached out to the 29-year-old.

"I did send a text message a couple of weeks ago," Clarkson told SEN.

"Just to say, 'listen mate, you can just pop out of retirement for a couple of weeks if you like'. I got a smiley face response that suggests he's enjoying his retirement up in Darwin."

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Rioli played 189 games with the Hawks, winning his first flag in his debut season in 2008.

He was also part of Hawthorn's historic three-peat from 2013-15.

His retirement mid-season came as a shock to the football world but was not entirely unexpected.

Rioli contemplated calling it quits at the end of 2017 after his father suffered a heart attack.

His return to the Hawks was delayed in 2018 as he cared for his father.

When he did return in February, his season was cut short in round four after he injured his medial ligament in his knee.