ASSISTANT Coach Brett Ratten couldn’t have dreamed of being part of a premiership in his first year at Hawthorn but that’s his reality.

The former Carlton coach arrived at the Ricoh Centre in search of a fresh start and the chance to work with a man he has much respect for, Alastair Clarkson and his coaching group.

Ratten started almost immediately after he was appointed and in fact was invited to go to the US for a study trip after a position became available due to the departure of Leon Cameron for Greater Western Sydney.

While keen to broaden his knowledge and provide new and innovative ideas at his new club, he decided instead to familiarise himself with his new surroundings and prepare for the challenge of working with coaches and players foreign to him.

Before long, he was a key part of the Hawthorn coaching group who had brought fresh ideas and a fresh outlook to what was an established coaching team.

As the year rolled on, Ratten learnt more about Clarkson and his colleagues but it was respect and admiration for the way in which Clarkson conducts himself that has left a lasting impression.

“It built throughout the season because I got to know him and how he operates,” Ratten said of Clarkson.

“He’s really passionate about what he does and he’s great to work for – the great thing about Al is that he adapts really quickly to change; he doesn’t just sit there and go down the same path.

“He’s really happy to take on new ideas and I think that’s why he’s a great coach.”

But what Ratten is loved most about his first year at the Hawks, other than the success that was achieved by the team was what he was able to enjoy away from the meetings and game day preparation.

He shares an office with his fellow assistants Luke Beveridge, Brendon Bolton and Adam Simpson (who has now departed for West Coast) and thrived on the mateship and bond he had built not only with them but also the players.

It is that experience that allows him to look back on his first year and count himself lucky to be part of the Hawthorn family.

But it is too probably that bond that has allowed the coaching group at Hawthorn along with Head of Coaching and Development Chris Fagan, High Performance Coach David Rath, Opposition Analyst John Wardrop as well as Adem Yze, Cameron Bruce, Damian Monkhorst and Damian Caroll among others one of the most respected in the AFL.

“If you wear something a bit strange or your hair isn’t right, they’re quick to point it out and make some nice remarks,” he said of his fellow coaches.

“But that was great for me because I really enjoy the footy banter and I’m really enjoying the journey here at Hawthorn so far.

“Those blokes in the office, we threw ideas around and have a really good working relationship.”

Together they achieved the ultimate in 2013, and Ratten couldn’t be happier.

“If you could bottle that emotion (in the coaches box) up you would because it’s something really special,” he said of the moments after the Grand Final win.

“I’m really lucky to be involved at the Hawks at a time where we win the flag in my first year.”