There were no tears in the eyes of Hawthorn’s Josh Gibson this year, just lots of dried blood around a gaping wound under his eyebrow.

The massive grin was an indication that the ex-Kangaroo had secured his second AFL premiership medallion.

Even in the chaotic surrounds of Hawthorn’s changerooms after beating Sydney by 63 points on Saturday, Gibson was capable of sparing a thought for his buddy.

Lance “Buddy” Franklin, that is.

A premiership player with Hawthorn in 2013 alongside Gibson, Franklin was a good contributor in a beaten Sydney side on Saturday with a four-goal haul.

“We’re all mates but when you cross the white line you’re enemies,” Gibson said.

“He’s a super-talented player so you can’t let him have it on his terms all the time.

“Our whole backline stood up today and really worked as a unit and cut down their marking capabilities.”

Gibson said he would keep his distance and give Franklin time for the hurt to pass.

“There was always going to be emotion. He’s a good mate,” Gibson said.

“I’ve been on the side of losing a grand final and it’s not a great feeling.

“He’ll be going through that. I’ll give him space.”

Gibson found playing in his first flag in 2013, amid strong speculation Franklin was set to quit the club, to be a testing time.

“I was very emotional. I had the tears going last year,” Gibson said.

“Will Langford had the tears going this year. He took over from me.

“It was nice. We had the lead.

“In the last six minutes of the game we could just suck it in and enjoy the moment which is a rare delicacy in a grand final.”

Gibson was one of the leading possession-getters on the ground with 32 disposals in a grand performance following his brilliant 2013 season in which he won the club’s best-and-fairest award.

This year has been another test of his will, missing eight games mid-season with a chest injury.

The 165-game veteran’s last game of the season was his 100th for the Hawks, a milestone he’ll look back upon with great fondness.