Behind-the-scenes photo essay: Riding with the Hawks in Grand Final week Candid photos from Hawks' inner sanctum in Grand Final week [View the story "Photo essay: Up close and personal with the Hawks in Grand Final week" on Storify]Photo essay: Up close and personal with the Hawks in Grand Final weekDuring Grand Final week, AFL Media photographer Michael Willson was granted exclusive access into the Hawks' inner sanctum. His remarkable candid photos capture the players, coaches and staff as they prepared to defend their premiership. (All photos: Michael Willson - Hawthorn FC / AFL Media)Storified by AFL· Mon, Dec 01 2014 02:27:48During Grand Final week, AFL Media photographer Michael Willson was granted exclusive access into the Hawks' inner sanctum. His remarkable candid photos capture the players, coaches and staff as they prepared to defend their premiership. (All photos: Michael Willson - Hawthorn FC / AFL Media)Sunday, September 21: The morning after the Preliminary Final victory over Port Adelaide and Alastair Clarkson addresses the playing group in a team meeting before being politely interrupted by Brendon Bolton's son Ned.AflA moment of solitude as Alastair Clarkson works out in the gym on his own before a media session at the Ricoh Centre.AflMonday, September 22: In preparation for Saturday's Grand Final, Property Steward Kenny Freiberg hangs out the players jumpers at the Ricoh Centre.AflAlastair Clarkson, Chris Fagan and the leadership group share a discussion in the weekly leaders meeting.AflAlastair Clarkson and Luke Hodge share a discussion in the weekly leaders' meeting.AflLiam Shiels is assessed by club physio Bruce Connor.AflJordan Lewis falls asleep during a massage on his corked thigh.AflCyril Rioli shares a laugh with medicos in the treatment room.AflTuesday, September 23: Bradley Hill pushes himself in a weights session at the Ricoh Centre.AflHead fitness Coach Andrew Russell reviews statistics from the preliminary final with the playing group.AflBradley Hill and Josh Gibson listen in during a team meeting.AflJarryd Roughead and Luke Hodge complete a brief touch session before training.AflDavid Hale walks laps in the pool as part of his recovery.AflAlastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan discuss the week's media commitments.AflThursday, September 25: Property Steward Kenny Freiberg inspects the match day jumpers after the AFL Grand Final logo was applied.Afl(L-R) Jack Gunston, Matthew Suckling, Kyle Cheney, Jonathan Simpkin and Ben Stratton chat in the locker room the morning of the team's final training session at the Ricoh Centre.AflShaun Burgoyne (left) and Cyril Rioli (right) greet Jed Anderson and his son Elijah before the team's final training session.AflJosh Gibson looks on at the crowd gathering before the team's final training session.AflAlastair Clarkson addresses the players in a team meeting celebrating Luke Hodge's upcoming 250th match.AflCyril Rioli waits as the match committee meeting is in progress.AflSam Mitchell (left) and Brad Sewell (right) wait as the match committee meeting is in progress.AflGrant Birchall (left) and Luke Hodge (right) begin their ice bath recovery after training.AflFriday, September 26: Alastair Clarkson shares a laugh with his daughters Stephanie (left) and Georgia (right) before the Grand Final Parade at the Melbourne Arts CentreAflBrian Lake and daughter Miley relax before the Grand Final Parade.AflSam Mitchell and his children enjoy the Grand Final Parade with Bradley Hill (left) down St Kilda Road.AflSaturday, September 27: Players line up for the national anthem before the Grand Final at the MCG.AflA bloodied Josh Gibson competes for the ball with Lance Franklin as Ben Stratton provides support as the Grand Final begins.AflPlayers celebrate with Will Langford after he snapped a goal from the boundary line.AflBen Stratton (left) and Luke Hodge celebrate as the final siren sounds.AflTears of joy as the moment overwhelms Taylor Duryea.AflTeammates rejoice as Matt Spangher makes his way to the dais to collect his premiership medallion.AflAlastair Clarkson leaves his team to celebrate on the dais.AflBen Stratton recreates his snow angel of the 2013 premiership win.AflWill Langford takes a moment during the lap of honour.AflAlastair Clarkson kisses his daughter Georgia after the Grand Final at the MCG.AflIsaac Smith enjoys some pizza in the rooms after the game. AflAlastair Clarkson addresses the group during the team meeting after the match. AflJarryd Roughead (left) and Josh Gibson embrace.AflGrant Birchall checks his messages.AflBrian Lake reaches for pizza.AflPlayers unwind in the locker room.AflAlastair Clarkson cracks open a beer after the players have vacated the locker room.Afl(L-R) Matt Spangher, Luke Hodge and Liam Shiels look on as they are presented to the crowd after the Grand Final at the MCG.AflAlastair Clarkson and Luke Hodge share a laugh on the team bus after the Grand Final.AflAlastair Clarkson checks his messages on the team bus.Afl
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