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AN HONEST conversation with Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson sparked Ryan Schoenmakers' turnaround from maligned defender to damaging premiership forward.

Alongside defender James Frawley, Schoenmakers entered Saturday's Grand Final as the only Hawks players who hadn't tasted premiership glory. But both were important contributors in the club's 46-point triumph over West Coast.

Schoenmakers played in the 2012 decider when the Hawks were beaten by the Sydney Swans, he tore his ACL in his right knee in 2013 and missed the flag and last year could not break into Hawthorn's finals team.

He said he was nervous early in the week before being reassured by Clarkson that he would not be dropped if fellow forward Jack Gunston returned to the team, and that he owed plenty to the Hawks coach.

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"It was great in the end to get that reward and really celebrate with 'Clarko'. He's a passionate man who is brutally honest at times, but that's what you need in that environment," Schoenmakers said post-game.

"He's pretty honest and that's what I need. He's straight down the line and hasn't really sugarcoated anything.

"He said if I wanted to be part of success I've got to do some hard yards and really prove myself to a lot of people, and I've really worked hard at doing that. Every game has been a real challenge."

Schoenmakers was trialed as a forward option late last year with little success, but he saw a position there and trained in that role over summer.

He had 21 disposals, nine marks, 11 score involvements and kicked a goal against the Eagles on Saturday, continuing his run of goals in the finals series (he hit the scoreboard in each of the Hawks' last three games).

No ceiling for Clarkson

"Towards the end of last year I was tried up forward and it didn't really work. But I did a lot of work over the pre-season and that's where I saw my spot in the side," Schoenmakers said.

"I saw there was a position vacant there and I really wanted to make it mine. I had to earn it.

"I never thought it was a short-term thing. But I knew if I didn't take it, it was going to go to someone else. At the back of my mind that was really driving me to make the most of the opportunity."

Each of Schoenmakers' possessions late in the game came with cheers from Hawthorn fans, and his entrance on the flag dias to claim his first premiership medal was greeted with a huge roar.

He laughed at the change of views from some fans, who had taken some time to warm to him since his early days at the club.

"I noticed a bit of a roar. I don't know if it was the loudest, but it was definitely exciting," Schoenmakers said.

"It's always been a bit up and down with me, but it's nice to be on the positive side of it this time."

Clarkson also praised the supporters for the appreciation shown to the 24-year-old.

"He's had to do some really hard yards. That's a real feelgood story for our footy club and a feelgood story for our fans, too," Clarkson said.

"They've watched him try to take on the monsters down back, and it was just great they acknowledged the contribution he made today and acknowledged the contribution he's made over the course of the season.

"It's the first time we've been able to play him regularly as a forward and we've been delighted what he's been able to contribute. We're just rapt for him to join this special group of guys to win a premiership for our club."

Every Grand Final moment was something to celebrate for Ryan Schoenmakers. Picture: AFL Media