10 years ago, the Hawks graced the hallowed turf of the MCG, ready to end a 17-year premiership drought.
10 years ago, reigning premiers Geelong went into the big dance as red hot favourites, having won 23 of a possible 24 games for the season.
10 years ago, a young Cyril Rioli dived and tackled with feverish intent to beat three Geelong players on the wing and win possession.
10 years ago, a third quarter frenzy etched Stuart Dew’s name into Hawthorn folklore.
10 years ago, Alastair Clarkson became a premiership coach.
10 years ago, Shane Crawford finally got his premiership medal.
10 years on, the Hawks have added another three premiership cups to their tally.
10 years on, the Hawks have played in another eight finals series.
10 years on, just two of those premiership players remain on the list. Grant Birchall is now an All Australian, four-time premiership player, and Jarryd Roughead has added ‘Hawthorn captain’ to his extensive list of accolades.
10 years on, the Hawks have taken their tally of Brownlow Medallists from four to six.
10 years on, Alastair Clarkson is now considered the best coach of the modern era.
What a decade it’s been for the brown and gold.
