Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell's search for an edge has led to him leaning on rugby league legend Cameron Smith for some words of wisdom as the AFL finals race heats up.
A not-so-secret weapon at Mitchell's disposal, Hawks fan Smith addressed the club's leadership and wider playing groups in Melbourne on Monday.
The former Queensland and Kangaroos hooker spoke about mental resilience and playing in important fixtures, in particular his State of Origin experiences.
The session came as fifth-placed Hawthorn (11-5) gear up for a tough interstate assignment against fellow finals contenders Fremantle (10-6) on Saturday night.
"(We spoke about) handling pressure, handling big games and big moments in big games," Smith said.
"How to get the best out of yourself as an individual and as a group, timing your run for big games and big finals.
"The Hawkies are in a great spot at the moment.
"They're probably not playing their best football at the moment, but they're slowly building towards what can be a very positive end of the season."
Smith, who retired five years ago, grew close to Hawthorn during his celebrated NRL career with Melbourne Storm.
The former Maroons captain was wound up by Hawks veteran Luke Breust, a NSW Riverina product, who donned a Blues jersey for Monday's session ahead of the Origin series decider.
But Smith found an ally in Mabior Chol and exchanged Queensland and Hawthorn jerseys with the Brisbane-raised forward.
"It's always great to have one of the GOATs of NRL come down," Chol said.
"For him to be here, I feel like as a playing group we've learnt so much about his mindset and how he deals with big games.
"I wasn't too sure what Breusty was thinking wearing a NSW shirt, but it's great."
Chol agreed with Smith's assessment that Hawthorn haven't yet hit top gear this season, despite a four-match winning streak putting them firmly in top-two calculations.
"We're not really playing our best footy yet, but we are building," Chol said.
"We want to time our run perfect so when finals do come around we hit that up and running.
"We're so lucky to have Sam (Mitchell), and he does understand as a playing group we have a lot of things to work towards."
Former Richmond and Gold Coast forward Chol has found a home at Hawthorn over the past two seasons.
The 28-year-old has kicked 30 goals in 15 games this season and finally feels at home in brown and gold, relishing working alongside premiership hero Jack Gunston and forwards coach Adrian Hickmott.
"I've had really good coaches in the past, but I feel like I'm probably a bit more mature than what I was back in my time at Richmond and Gold Coast," Chol said.
"I feel like I've narrowed a lot of what my best footy looks like.
"I've been working very closely with my forwards coach 'Hicks' and I feel like he's getting the best out of me.
"I'm just very grateful to be in a position where I'm playing some really good footy.":
