The 35-year-old former Saint, Hawk and Swan yesterday admitted he hadn't exercised one muscle since his last game at the MCG in 2008.

An absent training regime took its toll on the 203-centimetre ruckman as he joined fellow former footballers Scott West and Simon Madden and comedian Andrew Startin for the Great Vic Trek, a 21-day, 1800-kilometre fund-raiser for disability services provider Yooralla.

They ran or cycled from Portland to Warrnambool yesterday.

"It was hard work. Especially going through Port Fairy. It was pretty solid," Everitt told The Standard.

"I hadn't done anything (exercise) since my last game at the MCG. This has revved me up to get back into it."

When reminded about his stint with hit Network Seven show Dancing With The Stars this year ? Everitt was quick to scoff at his ballroom efforts.

"That was more mentally challenging than physically," he laughed.

"It wasn't really exercising like what I was used to."

Everitt tipped his former club, Hawthorn, would bounce back next year after failing to reach the final eight last season.

He believed the 2008 premier has what it takes to be a competitive force again in the AFL.

"They just need to play defensively like they did last year,'' he said.

"They had a bit of bad luck this year with injuries ... (Trent) Croad was out and they had Campbell Brown playing up forward."

Warrnambool export Jordan Lewis and Colac's Luke Hodge were key players to help put the Hawks back on track, Everitt said. He said Lewis was a powerful midfielder and one of the club's greatest assets.

"If Jordan got thrown onto the trade table, then 15 clubs would have been after him," he said.

"A midfielder of his size, who enjoys the crash and bash of footy is an asset."

He said Hodge had earned his stripes as an on-field leader.

Great Vic Trek spokeswoman Stacey Star said the event was unlikely to reach its target of raising $500,000.

She said when the event finished on the second day of the Boxing Day test about $350,000 would be in the bank.

"We had a total the other day which was $250,000. When we finish it should be around $350,000, which is a bit short of our goal.

"But we have had plenty of support and hopefully next year we will be able to reach our target."