GRANT Birchall couldn’t have picked a better occasion to return home to Devonport.
The four-time premiership player had the honour of bringing Hawthorn’s 2015 premiership cup – along with the 2013 and 2014 cups – to his home state and hometown as part of the club’s Tasmania Supporters Day on Wednesday.
Hawthorn’s Tasmania Supporters Day also included visits to Hobart and Launceston.
“It’s a fantastic honour, it’s a great feeling,” he told media after presenting the Hawks’ three-peat of premiership cups on stage alongside teammates in Devonport.
“It’s great being a local boy, to bring down and present the cups to the crowd here… it’s fantastic.”
The 27-year-old was again at his dependable best in Hawthorn’s 46-point win against the West Coast Eagles on Saturday afternoon at the MCG.
With 22 disposals – 17 of them kicks, almost 82% of them effective – Birchall capped off another successful season for both himself and the Hawks with a trademark performance across half back.
Now after 10 seasons of AFL football, Birchall boasts four premiership medals, something he never dreamt possible.
“Not four,” he said.
“All I wanted to do was just play an AFL game.
“To play in four premierships is beyond my wildest dreams, I’m really proud, lucky and fortunate to be part of such a special group.
“It’s been a good journey so far… hopefully there’s a little bit more left.”
An early goal against the Eagles – just his fourth of the season and 31st of his career – helped set the tone on Saturday.
“It was nice to snag a goal… I was due,” Birchall joked.
“I don’t kick too many. It was fantastic to get on the scoreboard and contribute to a great win.”
