HAWTHORN fans will have plenty of time to enjoy Cyril Rioli's skills, with the star forward announcing on Thursday he has re-signed until the end of 2019.
Rioli was initially due to fall out of contract in 2017, so the two-year extension means the winner of the 2015 Norm Smith Medal will remain at Hawthorn at least until he is 30.
Speaking to the media on his first day of pre-season training at the Ricoh Centre in Waverley, Rioli said the new contract was not necessarily his last.
"It's still a fair way away," Rioli said when asked whether he had given thought to playing on beyond 2019.
"Once it gets around to then, I'll see how my body's feeling and if I can continue to contribute to the team."
The four-time premiership player had an ultra consistent 2015 in which he played 24 of a possible 26 matches, earning his second All Australian selection and coming runner-up in the Hawks' best and fairest.
That followed two seasons (2013 and 2014) where he played 15 games and 12 games, with his troublesome hamstring problems hampering his cause.
Rioli said he feels like he is over the worst of his injury troubles.
"I don't really think about my hammies too much when I go out and train now and the stuff I do in the gym gives me a lot of confidence getting out there on the field," he said.
The Hawks mapped out a specific fitness plan for Rioli last pre-season and the club will follow a similar program, with some increase in intensity, leading into 2016.
Most of the premiership Hawks were out on the training track on Thursday for a session that consisted of touch work and repeat running over 200 and 300m.
Sam Mitchell, who played for Australia in the recent International Rules Series, was absent, while Jack Gunston watched from the sidelines.
Skipper Luke Hodge, sporting a freshly grown beard, and deputy Jordan Lewis – who has recovered from off-season wrist surgery – also joined their teammates on the field.
Luke Hodge and his newly grown beard at Hawks training. Picture: AFL Media
As is typical, Bradley Hill, Isaac Smith and Billy Hartung were in the leading pack of runners.
"It's still pretty early but the boys look in good nick. We're still very hungry," Rioli said when asked of the possibility of winning a fourth-straight flag.
"Losing (the Grand Final to the Sydney Swans) in 2012 still cuts a lot of blokes up so we don't want to go down that path again."
Rioli said he was extremely proud to see relative Daniel, who was drafted by Richmond with pick No.15 in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft, given the opportunity to carry on the Rioli name at the top level.
"On draft day I was really happy that he got picked up. I was hoping Hawthorn might have got him but he's in good hands with Dimma (Damien Hardwick) at Richmond and I'll hopefully see him running around out there on the MCG," Rioli said.
Cyril also had a cheeky response after Daniel suggested he was faster and a more reliable shot for goal.
"He probably is (quicker), but he's a few flags behind," Rioli said.
Hawks draftee Ryan Burton displays his kicking action. Picture: AFL Media
