Hawks must lift to mix it with the best, says Clarkson
Alastair Clarkson is confident that the midfield depth Hawthorn have developed this season is serving them well as they build towards their next premiership.
But he admits that his side has some improving to do if they want to beat an in-form Essendon next week and play a part in the finals this season, despite moving in to seventh spot on the AFL ladder after a win on Sunday.
The four-times premiership coach says the Hawks won’t be able to challenge the likes of Richmond or West Coast until they can consistently find their best form.
They have won six of their past eight games; five of them by an average of 61 points. They also lost to GWS by just 11 points.
But the 33-point loss to Brisbane in round 17 in Launceston could end up being costly.
They recovered from the loss to the Lions with a big win over Carlton in round 18, and the inclusions of Shaun Burgoyne and Jaeger O’Meara helped them claim a victory over Fremantle on Sunday. The pair were among the Hawks best in the 59-point thrashing of the Dockers in Perth.
Youngsters James Worpel and Harry Morrison have benefitted from the opportunities they have been given to play alongside Tom Mitchell, Isaac Smith and Liam Shiels when others have not been available.
And Mitchell’s ability to go forward and kick multiple goals has not only seen him become an even more dangerous player, but allowed the Hawks to trial others through the middle.
Ryan Burton, Blake Hardwick and James Sicily have all benefitted from extra responsibilities this season too.
But Clarkson said they will all need to lift a notch if they are going to beat Essendon at the MCG next Saturday.
“We have the Bombers, who, outside of Richmond, are the form team in the competition despite their ladder position,” he said.
“They were a bit scratchy early on in the season, but they have played some of the best football in the competition over the past two months.
“We'll have to play some of our best football to knock them off next week at the G.”
The Bombers lost six of their first eight games, including the game to Hawthorn in round seven by 23 points. But they have but only lost two of their past eight, including Friday night’s impressive win over the Sydney Swans.
The Bombers are in 11th place with 10 wins, but are just one victory (and percentage) from the sixth placed Melbourne.
But if the Hawks can end that run, they can make life tough for the Bombers and almost guarantee they see September action themselves.
“We have to play better - we don't think we are at the quality of the top two or three sides in the competition and our ladder position will reflect that,” Clarkson said.
“But we are in there with a hunt and a chance and who know where that will take us over the next four weeks.
“But despite our victory today, we are probably going to have to play better than we have over the past four or five weeks if we're going to do anything come the pointy end of the season.”