 He reportedly spoke to both the Kangaroos and the Adelaide Crows, before eventually being drafted by the Hawthorn Football Club in the 2007 AFL Draft.The Hawks used their first-round draft pick and the number 12 pick overall to claim Rioli.Just four days after being drafted by the Hawks, Rioli was ordered to urgently organise a passport so he could attend the club's trek of the Kokoda Track.