THERE is just something about Grant Birchall and Aurora Stadium.

When the rebounding defender returns to his home state where he grew up playing footy for Devonport before being drafted by the Hawks in 2005, his level rises.

Already one of Hawthorn’s most damaging attacking weapons, Birchall rarely plays a bad game in Tasmania, a place that Hawthorn has transformed into a fortress.

The Hawks have won their last 10 matches at Aurora Stadium and Birchall has starred in all but one.

The 2012 All Australian averages 22.7 disposals in 30 games at the venue and played one of his best ever career games there when he picked up 32 disposals and 100 per cent efficiency against Port Adelaide in Round 20, 2012.

The aberration was when he was held to just 14 disposals against GWS in Round 8 last year after being heavily tagged by Rhys Palmer.

This year, he picked up a season-high 31 disposals against the Lions at Aurora in Round 1.

While Birchall knows the conditions and the ground inside and out, he’s unsure what has contributed to his outstanding form in Tasmania other than enjoying the opportunity to play in front of family and friends.

“I enjoy going down there – I know the ground really well and the conditions really well,” he told hawthornfc.com.au

“I’m not sure whether that is a bit of an advantage or not but I just love playing in front of my family and friends.

“I don’t put any more or less pressure on myself. At the end of the day I just go out there and try to play my role, I don’t do anything too fancy.

“It just feels good to be back home.”

The Tasmanian-born dual premiership player keeps his pre-game routine simple and the same to that of when he plays in Melbourne, though he does enjoy the opportunity to catch up with family after the game.

“My routine stays pretty much the same as always,” he said.

“I get to see my mum and dad after the game, which is nice but nothing much really changes.”

With the Hawks set to take on the Bulldogs at Aurora Stadium on Sunday, Birchall surely has something special in store for fans in his home state.