Arriving at the Snakepit just after 6pm, each team member was cheered as they entered the building and high-fived fans before stepping on stage, expressing their emotions and thanking the community for a fantastic year.

Captain Mat Campbell paid tribute to his fellow team-mates in particular.

"To be in the situation of playing in a grand final, to have chance at winning a championship, it doesn't really come around that many times and to make that journey with these guys was pretty special," he said.

The Hawks were defeated 72-96 in the grand final decider against the Perth Wildcats last night.

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