Why Indigenous AFL star Cyril Rioli - who became a recluse from the game over racism scandal - is making a stunning return to the field

Former Hawthorn star Cyril Rioli is preparing to make a stunning return to football by lacing up his footy boots for the upcoming rebooted Legends Game.

The iconic exhibition match is returning for the first time in six years and will be played on August 28 at Marvel Stadium.

It's been 10 years since the Indigenous star claimed the 2015 Norm Smith Medal after an electrifying performance in Hawthorn's premiership triumph over West Coast.

The 36-year-old fan favourite retired in 2018 and has distanced himself from the game, including not showing up to Hawthorn's celebration of their premiership three-peat earlier this year.

Rioli's relationship with the Hawks soured over racism allegations during his years with the club - in a case that was settled in Federal Court last November.

The former half forward was the lead applicant in a statement of claim alongside his wife Shannyn, former players Carl Peterson and Jermaine Miller-Lewis, his partner Montanah-Rae Lewis and Hawthorn's former Indigenous liaison officer Leon Egan.

It was a saga which lasted more than two years after it first surfaced publicly in September of 2022.

Racism allegations were aimed against the Hawks, former coach Alastair Clarkson, his former assistant Chris Fagan and ex-welfare manager Jason Burt.

The trio were later cleared by the AFL of any alleged wrongdoing following an investigation.

The statement of claim included allegations of unlawful discrimination, including family separations and pressuring a pregnancy termination.

Rioli claimed that he was regularly subjected to comments that were 'culturally ignorant' during his time at the Hawks from 2008 to 2018.

It was reported the players and their families involved in the court proceedings were paid an undisclosed sum following the settlement agreement.

Rioli, who lives in Darwin, was recently announced as an assistant coach of Top End footy club the Jabiru Bombers - a team he played for last season and won a premiership with.

The footy star's return for Legends Game marks a huge step in repairing his relationship with the game, and will see him play alongside other greats including Nick Riewoldt, Luke Hodge and Gary Ablett Jr.

'We are thrilled to see this iconic event return and for footy fans to be able to watch all the action live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport,' said Seven’s head of AFL and sport innovation Gary O’Keefe.

'To see a host of popular personalities, and AFL legends including our own Luke Hodge and Nick Riewoldt come out of retirement for such a great cause is important and will make for exciting viewing.'