CYRIL Rioli's return to football is on hold and his future unclear following his return to Darwin to spend more time with his family.

The champion Hawthorn small forward was tipped to return to the side this week, having not played since round four because of a medial ligament strain.

He was reportedly desperate to play against Adelaide to honour teammate Shaun Burgoyne's 350th game.

However, he was ruled out of the game on Tuesday morning, with Hawthorn's general manager of football Graham Wright saying: "Cyril expressed to us his desire to return to Darwin with his wife Shannyn and be with their family.

"Physically, Cyril is in great condition, and potentially could have played for us in the coming weeks. However, we acknowledge his desire to be with family.

"Our priority at Hawthorn is our people and we ask that Cyril's privacy be respected at this time."

Rioli, 28, was granted personal leave by the Hawks towards the end of last year and did not return to pre-season training until the start of February, so that he could spend more time with his father, who suffered a heart attack last September.

He has since admitted he contemplated retiring from football, but when he returned to Hawthorn he trained brilliantly and was playing well until hurting his knee.

The 2015 Norm Smith medallist has played 189 games for the Hawks and played in four premiership teams, including the 2008 team, which comes together this weekend to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the upset win over Geelong. Rioli shapes as the only absentee from that team for the various festivities.