Hawthorn has released a statement following an explosive story in The Age on Saturday addressing Cyril Rioli’s abrupt exit from the club.
The story detailed an incident four years ago between Rioli’s wife Shannyn and Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett in Launceston, where Kennett made a disparaging remark about a piece of clothing Shannyn was wearing.
In a lengthy interview, she opens up about the hurt she felt as a result of the exchange and how it ultimately brought an end to Cyril’s glittering career at Hawthorn at the end of 2018.
Rioli ultimately told The Age that the Kennett incident was “the final straw”, following a long string of racial incidents at the club.
Shannyn references that she received “little response” when prompting the club to improve its cultural awareness, while also highlighting a number of “uneducated” comments from coach Alastair Clarkson.
There an incident she recalls in 2013, when a senior Hawthorn player made a racist remark about an Indigenous player’s partner, among others mentioned in the article.
The club says it feels “saddened” and “sorry” that both Cyril and Shannyn felt disrespected, pledging to continue to denounce racism.
“Racism in all shapes and forms is unacceptable,” the statement read.
“We are sorry that Cyril and Shannyn experienced these incidents during their time at the club.
“We are saddened these experiences have left them feeling the way they do.
“Combating racism and educating everyone both within our own walls and in the community is something we are constantly working on and believe we are getting better at. But there is always more work to be done.
“We are committed to reconciliation and ensuring our First Nations players are culturally safe and have a voice that is both listened to and acted upon.
“At Hawthorn, all of our staff and players deserve to be respected. Our doors will always be open to Cyril and Shannyn.”
Rioli played in four premierships at Hawthorn under Alastair Clarkson, as part of a memorable 189-game career.