Rioli, Ellis re-sign with Hawks

HAWTHORN’S change of fortunes has continued this week with young guns Cyril Rioli and Xavier Ellis re-signing.

Rioli has committed to the Hawks for a further three seasons while Ellis has signed on for another two years.

Hawthorn general manager of football operations Mark Evans said the pair had shown maturity beyond their years since joining the Hawks.

“It’s sometimes hard to believe that these young men are still only in their second (Rioli) and fourth (Ellis) year of football,” Evans said on hawthornfc.com.au.

“Rioli is an exciting player to watch and his work ethic is outstanding. His tackling has become a real feature of his game and he has continued his impressive form in his second season.

“Xavier has shown great application and versatility in his football this season playing defensive, through the midfield and forward at times.”

The pair were instrumental parts of last year’s premiership winning team, Ellis gathering 28 possessions and Rioli booting two goals in the win over Geelong.

Both have battled injury this year but are now back in the side as the Hawks begin their run home.

Ellis has played 44 games since he was drafted with the third overall pick in the 2005 draft. Rioli has played 37 games since he was taken with pick 12 in 2007.