Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson admits taking a risk by selecting Cyril Rioli for Saturday’s AFL grand final against Sydney.

But he says the punt on Rioli is no greater than on every other player in the premiership decider.

“There’s a level of risk in every player that runs out there tomorrow,” Clarkson told reporters on Friday.

“It’s a tough, brutal game.

“But the Swannies have got some risk too. (Nick) Malceski has got some risk, (Heath) Grundy has got some risk, (Sam) Reid has got some risk. I don’t want to throw it over at the opposition.

“But the reality of big games, big finals, you try to pick the best squad you can possibly pick and we think Cyril is right to go.”

Rioli returned to action last weekend in VFL ranks after a 12-week absence with a torn hamstring.

“We were running it a little bit fine in terms of time,” Clarkson said.

“But he ticked the box for us in a satisfactory enough way for us last week that said he’s ready to play some footy now.”

Clarkson said speculation this week about his own future wasn’t distracting, despite being forced to deny an approach from Adelaide to fill their vacant head coaching position.

“These things happen in footy. It’s flattering in a sense that you’re linked to another club but my allegiance is very, very strong to the Hawthorn footy club,” he said.

“I think I will be there until they tap me on the shoulder and say ‘get out of here old fella’.

“We have got bigger things to worry about than that right at the present time.”