Hawthorn have re-signed four-time premiership player Grant Birchall until 2019.

The most recent Brownlow medallists from Hawthorn and Richmond respectively will present Sam Mitchell and Trent Cotchin their 2012 medals next week.

Footy's pre-season and night competitions still hold a special place in the hearts of those who enjoy the trip down memory lane to when the also-ran cups did have meaning – except for Grant Thomas' St Kilda team, which barely cracked a smile in 2004

Hawthorn star Brendan Whitecross says his "scary" encounter with up to five men who broke into his home as his children slept and stole his fiancee's Porsche could have been a lot worse.

The 12 young Hawthorn players who walked the Kokoda Track last month were each asked to lead the group for half a day or longer.

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Doctors telling Jarryd Roughead he is now "cancer-free" has also changed what was thought achievable at Hawthorn next year.

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Hawthorn spearhead Jarryd Roughead has had a 'complete response' to his cancer treatment and is ready to resume a 'normal life'.

Adam Ramanauskas has urged Hawthorn fans to temper their expectations of an early return for Jarryd Roughead.

Jarryd Roughead is back in training with his Hawthorn teammates as he continues his recovery from a melanoma which saw him sit out the entire 2016 AFL season.

Hawthorn may no longer be the AFL's top dog. But that hasn't changed the level of expectation, says experienced forward Jack Gunston.

Ken Judge knew he didn't have long to live. Harry Morrison knew it would probably be the last time he saw his Godfather.

Chris Fagan is already putting a Hawthorn stamp on his new club, with the Brisbane Lions joining forces with high-performance consultants Leading Teams, which are are set to play a key role in helping the club pick a captain for next season.

With the draft period over, Emma Quayle and Michael Gleeson assess each club's playing stocks and forecast the impact in 2017 - positive, negative or unchanged.

Emma Quayle runs the rule over each AFL club's new cohort of young talent.

Quirks, whispers, bits and pieces from the backrooms and sidelines of the national draft.

Alastair Clarkson's extraordinary legacy to the game of Australian rules football is unquestioned and according to his current contract at Hawthorn will continue at this level for at least another three years.

The AFL Commission will award a Brownlow Medal each to 2012 winners Trent Cotchin and Sam Mitchell at a ceremony in Melbourne on Tuesday December 13.

Hawthorn great Brad Sewell has challenged the Hawks' ageing stars to aim up after anointing Greater Western Sydney as the 2017 AFL flag favourites.

Adelaide won't take Ben Jarman as a father-son selection in next week's draft after choosing not to nominate the small forward at the final bidding deadline on Friday.