HAWTHORN star Cyril Rioli has returned to Melbourne but will not play for Hawthorn this weekend.

Earlier this month the four-time premiership star returned to Darwin for personal reasons with the club placing an ‘indefinite’ timeframe on any comeback.

Foxfooty.com.au understands Rioli quietly took a flight back to Melbourne on the weekend.

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It is believed he has overcome medical ligament damage to his knee sustained against Melbourne in April, but his playing future remains secondary to his personal life.

Hawthorn and his manager Adam Ramanauskas remain committed to respecting his privacy.

The 28 year-old has not played since Round 4.

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