Hawthorn will return to the Kokoda Track in 2018, 14 years after the club first walked the track back in 2004.

The trek has become ingrained in the Hawthorn culture over this period, with the experience having become an integral element of the Hawks' induction of new players.

A group of 16, made up of players, coaches, board members, corporate partners and administrative staff, will embark on the trip this year, with the first bunch beginning on the 19^th before the football department start on the 21^st.

The playing group attending will include first to fourth year players, who will embark on the nine-day trip to the home of one of the most significant battles in Australian war-time history.

This year will mark the sixth time that the Hawks have completed the trek, with captain Jarryd Roughead amongst the first group of players to head over 14 years ago.

Assistant coach Darren Glass is set for his first trip to Kokoda and says he expects the players to undergo considerable personal growth over the trip.

“I think there’s a physical side of it but then there’s also the personal growth element to it as well,” Glass said.

“Often young guys are joining a football club having come straight out of high school and having not experienced much of the real world per se.

“So, this is an opportunity for them to also learn a bit about Australian history, to grow personally and understand the level of sacrifice that other people have made.”

Glass also pointed out that the team bonding to come from a trip such as this would also be invaluable.

“Nothing brings people together better than going through some adversity together.

“Of course, getting to know players quickly and building that relationship with them is another benefit as well.

“So, there is lots of things that we’re going to get out of Kokoda.”

On Anzac Day eve earlier this year, Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson revealed why the Hawks had developed a tradition of taking their young players to the Kokoda Track.

Read: Why we visit Kokoda

Clarkson outlined two key reasons for the Hawks’ commitment to Kokoda.

The first was the education that the trek provides the players in regard to where the country has come from and therefore the need to appreciate life more because of this.

The four-time premiership coach also said the trip enhances the players’ sense of the importance of team, comradery, and helping each other when things get tough.

The four pillars which represent Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice and stand at the Isurava Memorial in Papua New Guinea in remembrance of those Australian and Papua New Guineans who fought and died on the Kokoda Track continue to be entrenched in the club’s value system.