Once the rockstar face of a youthful Hawthorn team that took the AFL by storm, Lance "Buddy" Franklin hopes the new generation of "Hollywood Hawks" can go all the way.
And the goalkicking legend isn't surprised by how former teammate Sam Mitchell is masterminding the Hawks' ascension to premiership fancies.
After bursting to a shock semi-final berth last season, Hawthorn have kicked on and sit top of the ladder following three wins to start the season.
It's drawn comparison to 2008, when a 21-year-old Franklin kicked 113 goals and spearheaded a youthful team's charge to a shock premiership.
"They're in a really good spot, the Hawks, at the moment," retired superstar Franklin said.
"Obviously it's a long year ahead, but they've really set themselves up with three early wins.
"Sam's a super coach. He's obviously doing some really good things - the boys are well drilled and playing some good footy."
When asked how he would have slotted in at the 'Hollywood Hawks', Franklin quipped: "Pretty nicely".
"They're doing really well. It's obviously early in the year, but if they can continue on, hopefully they can go all the way," he said.
When pressed on whether Hawthorn could win the premiership this year, Franklin said: "It's still very early in the season.
"If you look at since probably round six last year ... their form, it's probably been one of the best besides Brisbane.
"So it's still early, there's a lot to play out but there's no doubt their best is up there."
When asked if he was surprised by just how well fourth-year coach Mitchell was doing, Franklin said: "No, not at all.
"Even when I was there playing, he was definitely coaching us back then.
"He's definitely ahead of the game with the way he thinks and the way he sees football."
Franklin was one of the game's great showmen.
But even he's watching on in some awe at the attention exuberant young forward Nick Watson - dubbed 'the Wizard' is getting.
That includes fans donning wizards hats.
"He's pretty cool, isn't he?" Franklin said at the launch of the AFL Superkick junior football program.
"That's just good for the game. I think.
"To have characters in this game, young supporters, young kids coming through to really watch them and fall in love with them as a player.
"There's no better thing to watch. For me as a supporter now, there's nothing better than turning on the TV and seeing these young boys go about their business and bringing excitement to the game, it's great."
Tuesday's press conference was three years to the day since Franklin, then a Sydney player, kicked his 1000th AFL goal and fans flooded the SCG.
"It's gone so fast," he said.
"That's the quickest three years ever, really."
