Lions star rediscovers best after backing of Fagan

After a frustrating stop-start season due to multiple calf injuries, the Lions co-captain struggled in the shock qualifying final showdown against Sydney.

McCluggage received the ultimate support from Fagan when his place was questioned before the Crows semi-final.

The dual premiership player described Fagan's fierce defence of him as "awesome".

"Internally, he's always backing me to do my job, and he knows that I'm trying my hardest, which I am," McCluggage said.

"Sometimes when you're out for a few games, you just lose a little bit of that touch, and it takes a bit to get back into it. 

"But at the same time, I think I've still been playing a role for the team when I've been at my best.

"Fages will always back me up, and I'll always back him up."

McCluggage has been restricted to 15 games and been well down on his All-Australia form from last year.

But the 28-year-old will take confidence out of playing superbly in preliminary and grand finals at the MCG last year.

McCluggage was best-on-ground against Collingwood, before starring with four goals in the grand final triumph over Geelong.

"It's been a little bit different," McCluggage said of his year.

"I'm really grateful for my first nine years where I was able to play a lot of games without any injuries. 

"I think as a leader, your responsibility is a lot more than just your game-day output.

"I've been able to really help guys off the field when I haven't been playing. 

"When I've played, I feel like I've been able to build my form, but then something else has just come along as I've been building.

"You're frustrated when it first happens, and then you've just got to move on.

"Because if I'm down in the dumps, then the young guys are seeing that, and it can have a really big impact on the group."

In their fifth-straight preliminary final - just the fourth team of the AFL era to achieve that - the Lions are chasing a historic three-peat.

But Hawthorn will be determined to make amends for a close preliminary final defeat to Geelong last year as they eye a first grand final appearance since 2015.

If the Hawks progress to the decider against Fremantle, it will be repeat of the 2013 grand final, the first of Hawthorn's flags in their three-peat.