Hawks sweat on Rioli report

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HAWTHORN is sweating on the availability of Cyril Rioli for next Saturday's blockbuster clash with Collingwood at the MCG after the star forward was reported in last night's 28-point win over Carlton.

Rioli was booked for rough conduct in an incident with Zac Tuohy early in the third term, but the Hawks will be hoping the minimal contact will result in the match review panel throwing out the charge.

HAWKS DOWN SPIRITED BLUES, RIOLI BOOKED

Interim Hawthorn coach Brendon Bolton stressed that Rioli, who has 87 carry-over points from last season, was a ball player.

Chris Judd remonstrates with Cyril Rioli after he struck Zach Tuohy high in the third quarter. Pic: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

"I haven't had a good at it, so I wouldn't want to comment other than to say that 'Junior' (Rioli) is a real ball player," Bolton said. "So let's have a look at it, and see where it goes."

Bolton maintained his three-game unbeaten run as stand-in coach for Alastair Clarkson, who last night attended his first match since being diagnosed with Gullain-Barre syndrome.

Clarkson even made a post-game visit to the rooms after the game.

"I think he came with his family and sat up in the stands," Bolton said. "We didn't have any contact with Clarko, (but) it is terrific to see him around and to be able to shake his hand and he can shake the players' hands."

Brad Sewell returned to form with 26 touches. Pic: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

But Bolton stressed the Hawks had to work exceptionally hard to overcome a competitive Carlton, saying the challenge was to bring the same intensity against Collingwood on Saturday.

"At some point, I will have to try and knock this game over and move onto the Pies," he said. "They are going to be a formidable outfit and we are going to be up for the challenge.

"That's the thing about AFL football; it is so brutal and ruthless that you can't get too complacent and happy with yourself."

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The Hawks had 12 individual goalkickers on a night in which they had to find alternate avenues to goal. That pleased Bolton as he highlighted how the group has managed to remain competitive with up to six of the club's best 22 out with injury.

Bolton said injured players such as Brian Lake, Ben Stratton and Ben McEvoy would be assessed in the next week or two, but was confident late withdrawal Jack Gunston would be right to meet the Magpies.

Jarryd Roughead flies in front of Sam Rowe. Pic: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

He praised the run of Bradley Hill and Isaac Smith, gave Brad Sewell plenty of kudos for his best game since returning from injury, and said how pleased he was that former Kangaroo Ben Ross had finally got his chance to play his first AFL match in four years.

"It was terrific that our guys stood up; they showed resilience," he said. "The contested possession game they (the Blues) won and they won quite a few of the contested mark battles.

"But we have got some areas to improve on. It was great (Hawthorn) showed resilience and fought on hard. Our last quarter was excellent."

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