Rioli is Hawks' AFL x-factor: Burgoyne

Cyril Rioli's Hawthorn teammate Shaun Burgoyne says the Hawks are a different side with Rioli in the team.

Hawthorn AFL player Cyril Rioli

Hawthorn are considering a senior recall for Cyril Rioli in Saturday's AFL grand final. (AAP)

He can play the substitute's role, he can start at half-forward, in fact he's capable of doing anything in Saturday's AFL grand final.

As Hawthorn consider a senior recall for dual-premiership player Cyril Rioli after one game in the VFL following his recovery from a hamstring injury, teammate Shaun Burgoyne says the Hawks are a different side with their 2012 All-Australian in the lineup.

Rioli was rested at three-quarter time of Sunday's VFL grand final between Hawthorn's feeder team Box Hill and Footscray.

The dual premiership player has declared himself ready to go for the AFL decider against Sydney at the MCG.

"I definitely feel excited when he's in the team," Burgoyne told reporters on Monday.

"He's one of those players who brings the x-factor, all those different things.

"When he's on, he's very hard to stop."

Burgoyne said if Rioli was handed the sub's vest because of his lack of match conditioning it wouldn't be a concern for the star small forward.

"He can be anything. Whether that's sub or on the field," Burgoyne said.

"He has to get through this week as well first and train with the team.

"I daresay match committee will have a five-hour meeting this week."

Burgoyne says Rioli's week will include ice baths, massage, pool, acupuncture, stretching and yoga.

A veteran of 268 games including premierships with Port Adelaide in 2004 and Hawthorn in 2013, Burgoyne is preparing for his fifth grand final and third in a row.

"Every player will be doing extra recovery this week, physio, massage, to get themselves up, just to mentally prepare yourself for the biggest game of the year," Burgoyne said.

"I've been very lucky to play in a number of grand finals. It never gets any easier.

"The nerves are still there."

Burgoyne expects Hawthorn onballer Jordan Lewis to play despite suffering a corked thigh in last week's preliminary-final win over Port Adelaide.

"I'm pretty sure a corkie won't hold him back," Burgoyne said.


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