A fifth AFL premiership would be a bonus for Grant Birchall in more ways than one.

The former Hawthorn defender is only a couple of steps away from the rare achievement as he prepares for Brisbane’s preliminary final showdown with Geelong.

But chasing another medal wasn’t the major reason he headed north after eight matches in his final two injury-riddled years at the Hawks, which could have ended his career early.

“It was mainly for me to get my career back on track and I thought a fresh start would do me the world of good,” Birchall said.

“The physios and the fitness guys up here have a good track record and with Fages (coach Chris Fagan) and Hodgey (former teammate Luke Hodge) and the guys on an upward spiral, it was really attractive.

“I thought I’d give it a go and it’s starting to pay off alright.”

Birchall is easily the most experienced finals campaigner on Brisbane’s list with 24 appearances – more than double any of his teammates – across his 263-game career.

Of his six preliminary final appearances to date, four have been decided by less than a kick.

The 32-year-old’s advice to his younger teammates has been simple.

“Just to back themselves in,” Birchall said.

“I try to add a bit of experience and a bit of composure, particularly down the back end.

“I just encourage them to go out there and have a crack and go for it.”

If Brisbane advance past Geelong and win next Saturday’s grand final, Birchall would become the most successful player – in terms of premierships – in the AFL era.

He would be the first player to reach five flags since 1991, when Michael Tuck won his seventh and Dermott Brereton, Gary Ayres and Chris Mew earned their fifth.

“I’m trying not to focus on that, trying to stay in the moment,” Birchall said.

“But I do dream about it, don’t get me wrong.

“It’d be an unbelievable achievement and just a bit of reward for what I’ve been through the last two years, but there’s a bit of water to go under the bridge still.”