No matter the situation stacked against them on grand final day, Augusta-Margaret River’s players and coaches found a way to push through adversity.

Despite the pressure of a big game, Hawks duo Simon Moore and Kael Coleman were relaxed and smiling as they headed to the rooms for pre-game preparations.

Aside from the odd grimace of fatigue as South refused to give him an inch, Moore pushed on — and after the game, his warm smile likely filled the memory bank of all Hawks supporters for years to come.

This grand final victory was different though, especially for coach Matt Jamieson.

While delighted his side displayed tremendous character to kick four final quarter goals after being stranded on one goal for the opening three, the Hawks boss also felt relief and love for family and friends who had supported him off the field all year.

“It is huge,” Jamieson said.

“My wife and I have gone through a fair bit this year. My father-in-law has been in hospital for seven months and it has been a grind.

“However, this is what I love doing, coaching footy. The boys have got belief in me and I have got belief in them. And today, what we achieved? It was through true character and grit that we got it done.”

Moore, who has won two premierships and two Hayward medals in as many seasons, praised his teammates for the incredible fightback.

“It was an incredible game — far out,” he said.

“I couldn’t believe it and I was so nervous at three-quarter-time, but I knew that we could do it.

“Once the wheel turned our way, it was coming back to us. I’m so proud of this group and Jamo — it was incredible — along with Jamo, and all the hard work that goes into it.”

Sunday’s victory was also a dual-celebration for Mitch Gerrans, who played his 250th game. After the game, he was chaired off the ground by teammates, while proudly holding the premiership cup aloft.

“It feels amazing, bloody amazing,” he said.

“It’s unbelievable really — I’m still pinching myself. It doesn’t feel real. I thought we were dead and buried but the boys just dug in.

That last quarter was just something else, I can’t believe it.”