CYRIL Rioli should be recalled straight into the Hawthorn line-up for Saturday night's top-of-the-table clash with Geelong, teammate Brad Sewell believes.
Rioli has missed nine weeks with the hamstring injury he suffered in round five against North Melbourne, but has been in full training for the past fortnight.
The club has floated the possibility of giving the small forward a chance to regain match fitness in the VFL before returning to the seniors, but Sewell is not sold on that idea.
"I've got no idea what the coaches are thinking, but I'd be very surprised if they decided to play him through the VFL," Sewell said on Monday morning.
"He's been training really, really well, so he'll be a nice inclusion for us, hopefully."
The Hawks will be out to break a 10-game losing streak against the Cats, in a rivalry that has consistently produced nail-biting finishes over the past six seasons.
Sewell welcomed the inevitable big build-up to the clash, which he expects to resemble a final.
"These games are on the calendar from the start of the year; you have a quick glance through the rounds, and this is certainly one that both sides no doubt look forward to," the midfielder said.
"They're cracking games.
"If we could play in these type of games every week ... it almost feels like a final, but it's not.
"We relish these types of games. They're great."
Hawthorn will also be seeking a club-record 13th straight win, while Geelong is coming off a strong victory over fellow top four contender Fremantle last week.
Sewell, who was speaking at the launch of the Swisse AFL Quality Clubs program, said previous form would be irrelevant once the two teams were locked in battle.
He also played down the significance of the Cats' recent dominance, and the impact of the outcome on a potential finals re-match.
"If we don't end it this week, then we'll end it the next time we play them," the 29-year-old said.
"So from our point of view, we'll go out there to win, but both sides will recognise that their eyes are set a little bit further."
The quality clubs program will give grassroots clubs an opportunity to share in $20,000 in prizes as reward for strong administration.
