The group, led by coach Alastair Clarkson, will visit communities throughout the top of the Territory, as well as join in training with local football teams, visit remote schools and discover the land that Rioli and Stokes call home.
Day 1
We arrived in the top end late morning to a humidity many of us had never experienced. The players got straight into the thick of it with one group heading straight to Belyuen via the Mandorah ferry - about a 20 minute trip.
Belyuen is a community about 15km from Mandorah with a population of around 80 people - 40 of those students who attend the local school.
The players had a great time interacting with the students in a kick-to-kick session that saw the small tackers take the lead - showing the players how it's done from the boundary.
Belyuen students who had achieved a high attendance record throughout the term were presented with backpacks full of Hawks surprises to reward their efforts.
A tour of the wider Belyeun Community revealed a visable afternoon storm setting in - brewing in the distance like a smooth Tasmanian Ale. Sure enough, rain fell from the heavens and provided 20 minutes respite from the heat.
Returning to Darwin, the boys hit the track with the Darwin Buffaloes - coached by Steven Stokes, father of Hawks energetic forward Cameron.
Across the road, a second group of players were putting the St. Mary's Juniors through their paces, before hitting the track themselves with the senior team.
Cyril Rioli felt as comfortable as nanna's knit back at the club where he fine tuned the exquisit skills Hawks supporters love today. Earlier in the day 'Junior' visited Karama Primary School - his old stomping ground. A Barra lunch was on the menu for the players on arrival. Following this was a clinic at Mununda Terrace Primary School where the players were kept on their toes by skillfull youngsters.
After all the training and sweating was done, the group had a recovery session in the pool followed by a St. Mary's BBQ Darwin style - king prawns, barramundi and goose - just to name a few of the many delights on offer.
Return to hawthornfc.com.au tomorrow as we find ourselves travelling to the Tiwi Islands for a visit to Tiwi College.
Belyuen school children.
Lance Franklin sharing goal-kicking tactics with Belyuen locals.
Belyuen's afternoon storm brewing in the background, minutes before rain.
Hawks players join the St. Mary's senior team on the track.
St. Mary's 'Darwin style' BBQ - king prawns, barramundi, goose and more.
