Cyril Rioli makes rare appearance at Hawks match as Suns win thriller

Hawthorn Hawks great Cyril Rioli was a notable member of the crowd during his former side's loss to the Gold Coast in the opening match of the Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

In Thursday night's match at Darwin, Rioli came on to the screen when Suns forward Bailey Humphrey thumped a goal from 50 metres out.

Rioli clapped the goal as the Suns led 3.2 (20) to 1.0 (6). Gold Coast went on to win 16.8 (104) to 15.6 (96).

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Gold Coast's team features Rioli's cousin Daniel Rioli, who started at half back. Gold Coast Suns list boss Craig Cameron was seated in the same area as Rioli.

The four-time premiership winner with Hawthorn didn't attend a recent centenary celebration at the MCG, amid his estrangement from the club due to the racism dispute which was settled in November last year.

Rioli's former captain and now Hawks coach, Sam Mitchell, confirmed prior to the match that he'd been invited to the match by Hawthorn.

"But it's one of those complicated situations where maybe he's not quite ready for that," Mitchell said.

"Maybe he is - I'm not exactly sure at this point. But if not, we understand there are some complications. I don't really have any more information to add to it, unfortunately."

Former Hawk Shaun Burgoyne, described Rioli's appearance as "great".

"As a Hawthorn great, Hawthorn people love seeing him involved," he said on Fox Footy.

"Getting back to the footy is the first step for him. We'll get him to enjoy watching Hawthorn play again. I'm not sure if it is on behalf of Hawthorn that he is here or if it is on his own accord ... but the fans still love him and it is good to see him back here watching the footy."

Eddie Betts was equally as pleased.

"It's awesome to see a legend like that here," he said.

"He's an idol and a role model to so many kids up here in Darwin and the NT. For these young kids who come from remote communities to come to the game and just to see Cyril Rioli watching the game (is great). It is a small step back into the footy life and it is great to see him here."

Daniel Rioli told Seven he wasn't aware his cousin was there until after full time.

"It's good to see him out here still watching the footy, I love him ... he's so well known here at the Top End, as a Hawks player himself it's good to see him back here watching the footy," he said.

Post-game, Rioli and his former teammate Luke Hodge were spotted talking as well.

Last year, Rioli attended the Suns' clash with Geelong in Darwin.