AFL.COM.AU's award-winning photographer Michael Willson joined Hawthorn players in their pre-season camp in picturesque New Zealand.
During the camp the players embarked on challenging treks up mountains, completed gruelling rope courses, and took part in white-water rafting and several other team-bonding activities.
It was indeed an epic adventure and Willson's camera was there to capture it all. Check out some of his amazing pictures below.
12.57pm - The players face their first challenge of the weekend, a ropes course designed to instil trust and communication. Young gun Jaeger O'Meara gets ready.
1.34pm - A number of players had a fear of heights, with some of the ropes hanging 15 metres above the ground.
1.39pm - Teamwork was vital in helping complete the challenges. Here young Irish rookie Conor Nash gives Luke Breust a hand.
1.49pm - Some players would not look down, others couldn't help themselves - as Kaiden Brand demonstrates.
2.42pm - 'The Leap of Faith' tested the courage of even the most decorated players. Ben Stratton shows his teammates how it's done.
2.43pm - Blake Hardwick was put to the test when asked to complete push-ups on a suspended log no more than 30cm wide.
3.10pm - New recruit Jarman Impey celebrates after his 'Leap of Faith'.
3.13pm - Ryan Burton is supported by teammates as he climbs one of the challenges.
7.47pm - Jarman Impey speaks with the players before they retire for the evening. The next day will involve a physically demanding hike up Mount Peel and Coal Hill.
SUNDAY
7.05am - The players set off on their hike up Mount Peel. The estimated trek time is anywhere between 12-15 hours, a torturous test of body and mind.
7.22am - The coaches aren't spared either with Alastair Clarkson leading his assistants up the steady incline.
8.09am - Jack Gunston, Jonathan O'Rourke and Taylor Duryea navigate the rocky terrain on their way to Little Mount Peel.
8.11am - Amazingly, players elected to run parts of the course, Isaac Smith seen here selflessly carrying a struggling teammate's backpack.
8.37am - After scaling Little Mount Peel, players were met with more ominous terrain.
11.40am - The scenery was as spectacular as it was challenging. Harry Morrison takes it all in on his way to Coal Hill. 
12.28pm - A rare area of flat ground is enjoyed by Liam Shiels and Ricky Henderson. 
1.02pm - The players take a well earned rest before tackling the steep ascent to Coal Hill. 
5.36pm - Almost 10 hours after beginning their trek, the first of the players emerge from the scrub after having scaled Mount Peel and Coal Hill pictured behind. 
5.58pm - But the day isn't done yet as players and coaches bike their way to camp beside the Rangitata River. 
6.25pm - Players are to prepare their own meals over open fire. Here Ben Stratton and Jaeger O'Meara attempt to start their campfire.
6.27pm - The spectacular Rangitata River provides a serene recovery setting for the players after a torturous day.
8.03pm - Daniel Howe takes a moment immersed in the waters of the Rangitata River. 
MONDAY
7.44am - Jaeger O'Meara cycles his way through the fields around the Rangitata River.
7.50am - The oldest player in the league Shaun Burgoyne completes the cycle. 
12.09pm - The white water rafting begins on the waters of the Rangitata River. 
12.19pm - A mixture of fear and fun is seen on the players faces as they navigate the rapids. 
12.28pm - The rapids gradually became more intense the further down the river the players rafted. 
12.52pm - The players all then jumped from a 10 metre cliff at the end of the rapids to mark the end of the trip. 
