THE LION with the most big-game experience has some simple advice for his young teammates ahead of the club's biggest game in 16 years on Saturday night – back yourself.
Grant Birchall played in six preliminary finals for Hawthorn and will make it number seven when Brisbane hosts Geelong at the Gabba.
FINALS PREDICTOR Who will win the 2020 premiership?
Only four Lions – Birchall, Lachie Neale, Charlie Cameron and Lincoln McCarthy – have made it to the second last weekend of the season.
Birchall went on to win four premierships with the Hawks and said in many ways the preliminary final was more difficult to win.
LOCKED IN Preliminary final match-ups, start times
"Going on my experiences, I've played in six prelims and four of them have been decided by under a kick," he said.
"They've been pretty hard to win, always been close games, great clashes, both teams throwing everything at each other."
The veteran half-back said a number of young teammates had already asked him for advice on how to handle the occasion.
He said they should have gained a lot of confidence from defeating Richmond in the qualifying final.
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
-
Video02:04 MinsViewed
Goal of the Year: 'He has kicked a cracker!'
Vote now on the biggest goals from R4 of the Toyota AFL Premiership Season
-
Video01:07 MinsViewed
Mark of the Year: 'He went surfing on a head!'
Vote now on your favourite marks from R4 of the Toyota AFL Premiership Season
-
Video10:01 MinsViewed
Longmuir on Brayshaw: 'He should embrace the attention'
Justin Longmuir says young star Andy Brayshaw should look at being tagged as a 'badge…
-
Video06:24 MinsViewed
Clarko: 'We just lost our spririt for a period of time'
Alastair Clarkson says his side's inability to halt Fremantle's barrage in the first…
-
Video02:10 MinsViewed
Darcy too big, too strong, too good
Sean Darcy monstered the Hawks with an inspired performance that included a series of…
-
Video07:27 MinsViewed
Highlights: Fremantle v Hawthorn
The Dockers and Hawks clash in round four
-
Video00:37 MinsViewed
Howe hurt in late Hawk blow
Daniel Howe leaves the field in a spot of bother after this clash with David Mundy
-
Video12:54 MinsViewed
Scott: 'We're in a better position than this time last year'
Watch Geelong's press conference after round four's match against Melbourne
-
Video00:53 MinsViewed
Freo frenzy as fast Frederick takes on fellow speedster
Optus Stadium erupts as Michael Frederick bursts away from the speedy Changkuoth…
-
Video00:34 MinsViewed
Sonny dances and delivers to dangerous Darcy
Michael Walters does a little shuffle before lofting the ball up to Sean Darcy, who…
-
Video09:29 MinsViewed
Goodwin: Still improvement left in unbeaten Demons
Watch Melbourne's press conference after round four's match against Geelong
-
Video01:24 MinsViewed
Manic minute as Mitchell goes down and Hartley goals
The Fremantle faithful voice their frustration after an incident involving Tom…
"Just to back themselves in I think," Birchall said.
"I just try and add some experience and a bit of composure, particularly down the back end.
"I just encourage them to go out there and have a crack and go for it."
Birchall has been a major success for Brisbane this year, playing 15 of a possible 18 games after managing just eight in the previous three years with the Hawks.
He said he was still daring to dream about adding a fifth flag.
"I'm just trying to stay in the moment and focus on my preparation," Birchall said.
"I do dream about it, don't get me wrong, it'd be an unbelievable achievement.
"I think it'd just be a bit of reward for what I've been through the last couple of years.
"There's a fair bit of water to go under the bridge though."