STAR Hawthorn midfielder Sam Mitchell says the expected hot weather for the Grand Final has altered how the Hawks have prepared.
With the temperature expected to enter the 30s tomorrow, conditions will be much hotter than the Hawks have been used to throughout a chilly Melbourne winter.
However the former captain believed his team's preparation had been good enough to overcome any difficulties the heat may pose.
"It'd be naive to say you don't do anything differently. I think what we try to do is keep calm about it," he said.
"It's not anything we can't handle. We're well prepared and we feel like we're in a good position to handle (the heat)."
A veteran of the Grand Final parade, Mitchell's first order of business upon entering his ute was to fix a problem only an experienced campaigner would pick up on.
"It's nice to know little things, like you've got to pop the balloons when you get in the car so the kids can see."
Despite being a fortnight from his 33rd birthday, Mitchell's third place in the Brownlow Medal last Monday was testament to his continued brilliant form.
He was Hawthorn's best player in the qualifying final loss to West Coast with 35 disposals and was influential in subsequent wins over Adelaide and Fremantle.
Mitchell was careful to guard against any hint of complacency, despite this being his fifth Grand Final.
"We love the week. It's outstanding and we don't take it for granted," he said.
"We know how much work goes in to get to this position and now that we're here you need to make the most of it.
"You'd be kicking yourself if you go outside of anything we're supposed to be doing on Saturday afternoon that doesn't give you the best chance to win."
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