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THE FACT that there is debate about whether Hawthorn's three-peat heroes are the greatest team of all is driving Sam Mitchell to end the discussion with another premiership.
The Hawks were feted for their third premiership in as many years at Sunday's family day, with more than 10,000 supporters packing out the club's traditional Glenferrie Oval home to see all three premiership cups on stage.
Their team disposed of the usual humility required in season to simply revel in their greatness, with defender Taylor Duryea summing the Hawks up best when he declared, "We just get it done".
Forward Luke Breust was introduced as the best kick in the game, prompting a protest from four-goal star Jack Gunston. Defender Brian Lake was quick to remind the crowd of his own show reel, asking, "How about my smother?"
The defender, who crossed from the Western Bulldogs in time to enjoy and influence each of three premierships knew he had the crowd, which stretched back to the art-deco Michael Tuck Stand, in the palm of his hand.
Mitchell, who starred in Saturday's triumph, said the players couldn't rest on their laurels and would need to get back to work soon after enjoying the moment.
Part of his motivation is to be a member of the game's greatest team after Hawthorn became the fifth club to win three consecutive flags, joining Carlton (1906-08), Collingwood (1927-30), Melbourne (1939-41 and 1955-57) and the Brisbane Lions (2001-03).
"The fact that it is still a question makes you want to go again, for me personally. I certainly want to be thought of along those lines," he said.
"Everyone always asks which one is your favourite premiership and my answer is always the next one.
"We will look at what the future holds for us and I'm sure it's going to be more silverware."
Hawthorn president Andrew Newbold said the club's latest triumph "still felt like a dream" on Sunday, after it was declared it would be too hot and his team too old to win.
The faithful pour into Glenferrie Oval for the Hawks' family day. Picture: AFL Media
"When it matters most they are at their best," he said.
Like Mitchell, Hodge said he knew the players would look at each other at the start of pre-season training and know they were driven to win a fourth consecutive premiership.
One banner in the joyous crowd read: "It's just not supposed to be like that. 13-14-15", but surely the faithful would now believe in a history-making fourth straight flag.
Ruckman David Hale wasn't prepared to walk away from the possibility, telling the crowd "I'll keep going".
Fellow big man Ben McEvoy, meanwhile, could hardly believe his luck after crossing to the club for the past two flags. "Thanks for having me!" he said.
Supporters sang the club song with the players, but it was their hero Cyril Rioli's own chant that rang the loudest as they coaxed the Norm Smith medallist onto the stage.
"It's just unreal when the crowd get involved, it's awesome," Rioli said before touching on the significance of his Norm Smith Medal.
"I think the Tiwi Islands has three Norm Smith Medals from a population of 2500 people.
"To receive it from an NT legend in Andrew McLeod was just unreal."
