IT HAS been a long journey for Hawthorn ruckman Max Bailey and finally achieving premiership success left him speechless.

Speaking to hawthornfc.com.au in the rooms after the Grand Final victory, what the 206cm ruckman had achieved and what it meant to so many people began to dawn on him.

The Hawthorn change rooms were filled with family and friends of each of the 22 premiership players, plus the families of the coaches and not to mention the other Hawthorn players who had just as much been part of the premiership success as those who wore the brown and gold on Grand Final day.

“It hasn’t sunk in to be honest,” Bailey said.

“You look at the buzz around the room after the game and you start to realise what it is and what it means.

“I don’t think it’ll sink in for a little while yet but it’s an awesome feeling.”

Winning a flag was something the Hawks ruckman possibly never thought would be possible given his injury history and enduring three knee reconstructions.

At 26, it is almost impossible to believe Bailey has played just 43 career games, most of which were played this season.

He played 19 matches this year and was a key part of Hawthorn’s premiership success.

On a number of occasions coach Alastair Clarkson lauded his ruckman for his ability to shoulder the majority of the workload in the ruck to release David Hale and most importantly, allow Coleman medallist Jarryd Roughead to spend more time up forward.

His role on Grand Final day was probably his most significant of 2013, having nullify the influence of Fremantle big man, Aaron Sandliands.

Although Sandilands had 44 hit outs, Bailey battled manfully and nullified his influence around the ground.

He says he just approached the task like any other and knew he just needed to play his role for the side, something Clarkson had stressed throughout the season.

“I feel like I’ve been able to have an impact when I’ve been asked to,” he said.

“That’s all Clarko said to me – just play your role and that’s been something he’s said to everyone as well just play your role and if we can all do that we’ll be right and have some success.”

Asked how the Hawks and he managed to win the flag, Bailey was at a loss to describe it.

The victory had left him speechless and it’s safe to say the success won’t sink in for a while yet.

“It’s a highly satisfying feeling and a validation of what I’ve done and what the Club has helped me through, I couldn’t be happier,” he said.

“It’s new and it’s unreal. I don’t know when it’ll sink in. Maybe in a week or in a month, who knows.”