Led by inspirational captain Luke Hodge, Hawthorn’s veterans are taking some of the burden off coach Alastair Clarkson.
Sam Mitchell suggested it was no coincidence that Sydney’s dominance last Saturday night at the MCG was curbed when Hodge shifted into defence during the third quarter.
Hodge was typically classy with ball in hand.
But according to Mitchell it was his words that proved even more influential in the Hawks’ 10-point win that breathed new life into the minor premiership race.
“He just gives everyone around him confidence,” he said on Monday.
“He sets everyone up and makes sure that our structure is very sound … when the ball is out of his area, he’s the best player I’ve seen.
“It’s not exciting to watch on TV – someone yelling out and telling everyone where they should be.
“But you love playing with a guy like that.”
Mitchell also pointed to Shaun Burgoyne’s mid-game shift to midfield as something that gave the Hawks’ confidence they could “arrest some momentum”.
Mitchell added that he, Hodge, Jordan Lewis, Josh Gibson and Jarryd Roughead strived to act like coaches during the whole week.
“We like to think we’re pretty heavily coached by players,” he said.
“A lot of the motivation and training standards (during the week) are all driven by players.
“That’s easier when you’ve had the same coach for 10 years.”
Clarkson is part way through his 10th season at Hawthorn, and will be chasing a third premiership come September.
“He knows what to expect of us and we know what he expects,” Mitchell said.
“Because we’ve been together for so long it has to be driven by players, if it’s the same coach yelling at you every day for 10 years it probably loses a bit of impact.”
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Chief certainly gave David King the details he wanted!
Will it get the Hawks ready for a crucial clash with North Melbourne?
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