He might break down. He might even play in an AFL premiership side for a third time.
It’s fair to say the potential risks and rewards are high for Hawthorn’s small forward Cyril Rioli who hasn’t played since June 28 because of a hamstring injury.
Defending premiers Hawthorn begin their finals campaign in Friday night’s qualifying-final clash with Geelong at the MCG.
Coach Alastair Clarkson is hoping to have 2012 All-Australian Rioli back to full fitness in another two weeks.
“At some point in time we’re going to have to step up his program and when you step up that program you run the risk of a breakdown,” Clarkson told reporters on Thursday.
“Or he responds really well to it and he can cope with the extra demands that you place on him.
“That will happen over the course of the next week to 10 days.
“You’ve got to take every risk in that regard. Anyone coming back from a soft-tissue injury, Sydney is going through exactly the same thing with Josh Kennedy and Benny McGlynn over the last week or so to determine their availability.
“So it’s always a risk when you’ve got guys coming back from a soft tissue.”
Rioli’s injury dramas have been challenging for the 25-year-old but his coach says the goalkicking wizard needs to focus on the positives.
“I don’t think it’s tough on him all that much because he knows if he does get through there’s the opportunity to play in a preliminary final,” he said.
“If he does get through he’s got that dangling carrot so we’ll wait and see how he goes.”