Hawthorn continues to bask in the glory of Saturday’s AFL Grand Final win.

At the same time, the man who would coach the Brisbane Lions back to glory, faced the media today.

Dom Beattie reports.

TRANSCRIPT

The final siren signalled their redemption.

Having lost in 2012, Hawthorn stormed back to secure their eleventh premiership.

They simply out-ran and out-played the Dockers, in front of a 100,000 strong MCG crowd.

The Hawks continue their celebrations as Premiers in Tasmania today, following yesterday’s presentation at Glenferrie Oval where over 10,000 fans turned out to congratulate their heroes.

The coach told fans he was confident his side would get over the line.

Alastair Clarkson, Hawthorn coach: “Until about the last minute of the game they needed to kick three goals in a minute so we started celebrating.”

A supportive fan base welcomed home the less cheery Dockers in Perth, but their chief is proud.

Steve Rosich, Freemantle CEO: “Last night at the function the mood was probably a little bit solemn to start with but once the night progressed everyone started to recognise the efforts of the season.”

Brisbane Lions may have missed the finals for the last four seasons, but new coach Justin Leppitsch plans to turn their fortunes around.

Justin Leppitsch, Brisbane Lions coach: “I guess when there’s a fresh start there’s always new ideas so I’m hoping to bring that originally but hopefully in the long term view it’s how we can be consistently in the top half of the ladder if not top four of the ladder.”

The returning local hero will be hoping to fill these stands and the hearts of the fans with hope of a fourth premiership.

Dom Beattie, QUT News.