HAWTHORN'S party launched into full swing on Saturday night, with the back-to-back premiers hailed as heroes before hundreds of adoring fans, friends and family at the club's Grand Final dinner.

 

Just hours after the final siren blew on a devastating 63-point belting of the Sydney Swans, the Hawks took to the stage at Crown Palladium brandishing the premiership cup.

 

Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson and 21 players – minus Grant Birchall who was delayed for medical reasons but arrived shortly after – soaked up the cheers and applause.

 

But Clarkson and captain Luke Hodge were quick to salute the squad of Hawks players and football department who rode a rocky path of injuries and illness to consecutive flags for the second time in club history.

 

"Squads win premierships," said Clarkson, who has now joined Hawks coaching greats Allan Jeans and John Kennedy Snr with three flags.

 

"We probably sacrificed the Box Hill premiership last week in a sense because we withdrew (Brad) Sewelly and Ben McEvoy before the game and got Cyril (Rioli) out of the game at three-quarter time when there was a couple of injuries to the Box Hill group.

 

"So it just reinforces that…Hawthorn footy club and their success in 2014 was going to be very much dependent on the squad of players helping us through.

 

"To Lukey Beveridge (assistant coach), who's accepted a role at the St Kilda footy club, thanks everything you've done Lukey for our footy club over the last three years.

 

"Finally, to Andrew Russell and his conditioning team and Michael Makdissi and his medical team, I think you would all agree that we only probably got Cyril Rioli out there on the ground because of those guys today."

 

Hodge, the Norm Smith medallist and premiership skipper for the second time, hailed his teammates for delivering on a bond set during a pre-season trip to South Africa.

 

"When we went to South Africa, we made a bond with each other we had to do everything we possibly could to make sure the result this year was the same as last year," he said.

 

"For the guys that have contributed throughout the year – it's been a fantastic team effort."

 

The Hawks came prepared for success, with back-to-back memorabilia already on sale in the foyer.

 

But president Andrew Newbold called on his club to take nothing for granted.

 

"As a club I know that we are committed to doing it all again and improving, as we must, if we are to remain competitive in what is an ever-changing landscape," he said.

 

"At the start of the year it was not how good we are, but how good we wanted to be.

 

"Well, ladies and gentleman we have well and truly answered that question today.

 

"We have had a magnificent season considering the challenges we've had to confront.

 

"And as I leave you to celebrate, I make this last observation. It is a privilege to belong to the Hawthorn Football Club and with privilege comes responsibility but also benefits.

 

"Enjoy the benefits tonight."