The Hawks will return to fire ravaged Victorian communities this week as part of final preparations for their Round 1 clash with the Bombers.

While the Hawks are unable to undertake community activity in the region due to the AFL’s COVID protocols, they will return to Buchan on Monday and Tuesday for an overnight training camp.

The camp is an opportunity for the club to contribute to the local economy, while also bringing awareness to the continued hardships and impacts faced by communities in the wake of the 2019/20 bushfires.

In an effort to shine a spotlight on the ongoing impacts of the bushfires, Senior Coach Alastair Clarkson will be making his way to the training camp in a non-traditional way.

Clarkson will be running and riding the 330km from Corryong to Buchan with the aim of meeting the group at their destination on Monday night.

Along the journey Clarkson will be joined by families impacted by the bushfires who will share their stories and ongoing battles.

Clarkson will commence his run/ride first thing Sunday morning with the aim of completing his journey on Monday evening in Buchan, coinciding with the Hawks arrival in town.