Hawks in Grand Final Parade

Mum and I sent off this morning, into town, in balmy sunny Melbourne spring weather. We met Melissa in Collins Street, and secured a spot along the barricade for the Grand Final Parade.

The city was filled with a sea of brown and yellow, and blue and white, kids and fans ready to cheer on the lads as they came past. It wasn't long before groups of street performers came past, doing their bit, and then police on horseback, and the Army bands playing the two anthems.

The Geelong team followed the Brownlow medalist along the street, and the much coveted Premiership Cup had a car all of it's own.

But then the boys of Hawthorn came along, in their twos. Birchall and Young, and then Sewell and Brown, followed by coach Clark and captain Mitchell. Gilham and a very calm Hodge, followed by Bateman and Ladson.

Soon it was Croad and Crawford, each with their young kids travelling along with them, clearly excited to be part of this day. A very calm Hodge, and Guerra, then Murphy, and Lewis and Roughead.

Mission impossible style security surrounded the car with Franklin and Williams, Buddy with sunglasses and that freshly shaven head in full glory.

The parade culminated at the top of Collins Street, with both team presented, and then both captains holding up the desired Cup - to massive crowd roar.

Mum and I headed along to Southbank afterward, for lunch at the Blue Train Cafe, before wandering through Crown's atrium for the Focus on Footy photo exhibition.

Now, just a nervous wait for the big day to arrive! Go Hawks!