Hawthorn has topped up its engines with the return of their most impetuous forward, Cyril Rioli, for Saturday night’s blockbuster against the Cats at the MCG.

Rioli has been out since round five after badly hampering his hamstring, however, the Hawks must be feeling the pressure and have made the decision to place him back into this week’s senior list, instead of giving him a run with the seconds.

Last time the Hawks met the Cats for the opening round of the season, the livewire machine, described by News Limited, made 20 touches, five tackles and five inside 50s, although the Cats’ strong defence restricted the mercurial front-man to one goal.   

Hawthorn will be missing a number of key players and will be more than thrilled to have Rioli back for tomorrow night’s notorious clash, giving them more hope on breaking the ‘Kennett Curse’.

“Rioli’s return is timely for the Hawks, who have lost several players to injury after last week’s win over the Brisbane Lions in Launceston,” News Limited said.

“Liam Shiels (ankle), Xavier Ellis (calf) and Jonathon Ceglar (hip) are all out of the side.”

The Hawk’s 206cm ruckman, Max Bailey, who has averaged 23.5 hit outs this year over 10 games, is also back on the Hawk’s senior list for tomorrow night’s clash, along with another damaging forward, Paul Puopolo, who made 28 touches on Easter Monday this year against Geelong.

The Cats have kept their full side from last week’s victory against the Dockers.  

Click here to view the Cats’ team.