The players hit the streets on Friday for the annual Grand Final Parade and hawthornfc.com.au caught up with each of the players to see how they’re feeling on the eve of the Grand Final.
2. Jarryd Roughead: “We’ve been involved the last three years and kind of know what to expect. You just have to enjoy it because who knows if we’re going to be back here again.”
3. Jordan Lewis: “I’m feeling really good. When you come into these games after a long and successful season, you have to re-group and understand the importance of tomorrow and we’ll do that.
“You don’t get too comfortable playing in Grand Final after Grand Final, you have to understand there’s a game to be won and we’ll be going out to do that tomorrow.”
4. Matthew Suckling: “I’m super excited. This is exactly why you put in all those hours over so many weeks and sacrifice what you do to be in moments like this. I’m really looking forward to it.”
5. Sam Mitchell: “It’s been a pretty relaxed and normal week up until now.
“I think everyone watched the prelims and saw the Swans’ prelim and though t ‘that was pretty impressive’ then you watch us and we were probably a little bit off. We’re going to have play our best footy to win.”
6. Josh Gibson: “I think I’ll play a fair bit on ‘Bud’. We’ll have our work cut out for us in defence.”
7. Ben Mcevoy: “I’m pretty pumped (to get in), it’s hard to put into words, really. This is what you play footy for and to get the call-up at the last minute, while it’s not ideal, I’m thrilled to be running out there tomorrow.”
8. Taylor Duryea: “I’m so excited. This whole experience is pretty amazing and something you love to be part of. I’m soaking it up now but tomorrow if we get the win, that’s what it’s all about.”
9. Shaun Burgoyne: “The nerves haven’t kicked in yet, I’m just taking it in with a relaxed mindset. There’s still a little while until the game but when it rolls around, I’m sure there will be a few more nerves.”
10. Bradley Hill: “I’m pretty relaxed, I’m enjoying the week and just having fun. I feel like I’ve got more experience from last year to now but I still feel like I’m the young boy running out there tomorrow.”
15. Luke Hodge: “It’s an exciting time. You go through long pre-season and long seasons for the opportunity to play in a Grand Final and we’ve been lucky enough to play in them the last few years. The boys are eager and ready to go tomorrow.”
16. Isaac Smith: “It’s pretty surreal, you don’t usually get to do this every day of your life. I’m lucky enough to have been involved in the last three and hopefully there are a few more to come after this but it’s a great feeling.
“It’s a great opportunity and there’s a big prize at the end of it.”
17. Brian Lake: “(Hawthorn) is the lucky charm. I didn’t feel too lucky in the 2013 prelim and even when Port Adelaide came back in the last quarter last week, I thought ‘geez why do we have to keep getting in these close prelims’.
But to be in my second Grand Final, what a wonderful experience – knowing from last year, it’s definitely the best two weeks of your life so I want to experience that again.”
19. Jack Gunston: “It’s good to be here again. It’s been an exciting week and it’s great to be here at the parade with so many fans out here.
“I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.”
20. David Hale: “Grand Final is the best day of the year so it’s a very exciting time and hopefully we can celebrate tomorrow night.”
22. Luke Breust: “I’m very excited. It’s a great day today so we’ll soak all this in and then get ready for tomorrow.
“They’re (Sydney) a great side and have proven to be the top side all year. No doubt they’re favourites and we’ll have to play some pretty good footy tomorrow to match them.”
24. Ben Stratton: “I’m pumped. We’re coming up against the best side all year. It’s one versus two, it’s going to be a great game and I’m pumped for it.”
26. Liam Shiels: “I’m pretty lucky to be able to play in three Grand Finals in a row but the excitement never changes. There are still the same nerves, the same butterflies you get in your stomach before every ‘granny.’”
27. Matt Spangher: “I can’t really believe it yet, it’s so exciting. This is what you play for and I’ve been lucky enough to have been given the opportunity.”
28. Paul Puopolo: “They’re (the nerves) going alright at the moment, I think playing in my third Grand Final, it has allowed me to be pretty relaxed at the moment to try and enjoy it.”
29. Will Langford: “I’m pretty excited. This is something I’ve grown up wanting to do so to be running out tomorrow, I’m very thrilled with the opportunity.”
33. Cyril Rioli: “I’m feeling very excited, very nervous. I’ve been waiting for this for the whole season and I’m definitely focused for the game.”
