AFL legend and respected football commentator Leigh Matthews believes recently-retired Hawthorn champion Cyril Rioli might just have passed the baton of football brilliance that he ran with throughout a stellar AFL career to his cousin, rising Richmond star Daniel Rioli.

Matthews was extremely impressed with the special passages of play young Rioli produced for the Tigers in their 43-point victory over Adelaide at the MCG last Friday night, as he enthusiastically mentioned in his regular role as a 3AW football panellist last Saturday afternoon.

VIDEO - Round 16: Rioli on Cyril

Rioli finished the match with a dozen disposals, five marks, four tackles, two goals and several ‘wow-inducing’ moments.

“I couldn’t help but watch the game last night and think he’s a Rioli Mark 3, isn’t he!” Matthews said.

“Cyril was a unique package . . . we spoke about it for the last few days. But Daniel Rioli, he’s got a similar package of attributes as a young player.

“It’s really quite amazing, last night you couldn’t help but think, could there be another Cyril?

“We think there couldn’t be another of that actual type, because he is a unique type, Cyril Rioli. But, hey, Daniel’s a very similar package.”