HAWTHORN champion Peter Knights says this year's Hawthorn side is better than the team that won the 2008 premiership.
Under the captaincy of Sam Mitchell, the Hawks famously 'stole' the '08 flag by defeating hot-favourites Geelong in the Grand Final.
But Knights, who played in premierships for Hawthorn in 1976, '78 and '83, has been more impressed by this year's outfit, which will take on the Sydney Swans in Saturday's decider.
"It's hard to compare players of different eras; it's hard to compare teams of different eras," Knights said during a media appearance at Hawthorn's spiritual home, Glenferrie Oval, on Wednesday morning.
"But I would think that looking at it on paper ... this side stacks up a little better than 2008 for mine.
"We're certainly a little bit more experienced and we're certainly more professional in what is required.
"I'm only saying that as someone who's not involved in the footy department.
"I'm looking from the outside, but I think we've improved a little bit. We've gained in experience and we've got a great opportunity."
Another Hawthorn legend, Graham Arthur, who captained the club to the 1961 flag, believes the Hawks have never had a team stronger than the one Luke Hodge will lead into battle on Saturday.
"I think the all-round strength is absolutely first-class," Arthur said. "I think it's probably one of the best sides I've seen fielded by the Hawks.
"It's probably a little bit down in size ... but their strength around the flanks is exceptional.
"You'll see through all the years that the premiership sides have always had strength around the flanks.
"So I think from that point of view it's as good a side as we’ve ever had."
Shane Crawford, who was a driving force behind the 2008 premiership, has similar thoughts to his elder clubmen.
"I think the way they've teamed together, certainly in the second half of the season, is the best I've ever seen them," he said.
"So from that point of view, as long as they can make the team their focus on Saturday, I'm sure they can get out and play really well.
"Last weekend (against Adelaide) was a bit of a hiccup, but they found a way to win, like good sides do."
Adam McNicol is an AFL Media reporter. Follow him on Twitter @AFL_AdamMcNicol
Hawthorn will hold its final open training session at Waverley Park on Thursday from 11am. The club advises there will be no parking in the Waverley precinct. Shuttle buses will run from Monash University and Glen Waverley station. For more information, visit hawthornfc.com.au/finals
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