Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson says he’s comfortable if it takes another two years to make the powerhouse AFL club premiership contenders.
Hawthorn coach Alistair Clarkson insists his team are exactly where they’re supposed to be – halfway down the AFL ladder and just about out of finals contention.
Clarkson described the Hawks’ thumping win against fifth-placed GWS in Canberra on Friday night as an anomaly.
The four-time premiership coach said he’s building long term and is comfortable if it takes another two years before his side can “challenge seriously” for another flag.
Hawthorn have only missed finals twice under Clarkson in the past 12 years and can still make it this season, but must win their remaining two games and rely on results from other matches.
“We can’t get too cosy with ourselves right at the present time, there’s about 10 sides above us on the ladder,” Clarkson said.
“We’ve been able to play some good football in September before but that was a fair while ago now.
“We need to build the group of players and the method to get there again and challenge seriously. At the minute we’re sitting where we are on the ladder for a reason and that’s because we’re just a mid-table side.”
The Hawks thrashed GWS 85-29 in a stunning display in snowy conditions, which reduced the Giants to their lowest score in club history.
“Every now and again we beat a side above us and everyone, including us, gets a little bit excited with that but really we sit where we are for a reason and we’re not quite good enough at the present,” Clarkson said.
“But hopefully there’s enough excitement for our fans to say we’re not too far away and we can get ourselves back up the ladder and seriously challenge again.
“If that takes 18 months or two years we’re prepared to play the long game and be patient but hopefully all our supporters can see we’re on the right track.”
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Last year's top 4 finish was off the back of a Brownlow winning season by a guy would never played a minute in 2019. I was hopeful of competitive season but given the number of Box Hill debutantes I'm satisfied we are building. And no I didn't expect the Dons to do much either unlike the fans and media who love a bit of blind faith
Rissole
Roar Rookie
Yes I think the Hawks should have done better on the back of top 4 last year and a coaching/tactical advantage over most. Surely you hoped for better too. Not sure why people continue to give credence to David King's opinion. All you had to do is look at the inexperience of the list, in conjunction with an average coach, and you'd have them at 8-10 like most pundits.
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Spot on, MJ
Birdman
Roar Rookie
I know you were critiquing the Hawks which is a bit rich given your mob were preseason flag faves with the media. No-one was expecting great things from the Hawks once Mitchell broke his leg.
Rissole
Roar Rookie
This year yes. I was tallking about Hawthorn, not Essendon. Dons are around the fringes of the 8 where they belong. They will miss though as they lack depth and a bit of heart. A very young team though.
Mango Jack
Roar Guru
Yes, he's basically saying it's irrelevant whether they make the finals this year. If they scrape in they won't last long. He's looking to build the sort of hard uncompromising unit that won them 3 in a row. Key to that is a hard nut leader like Luke Hodge, and I reckon he thinks James Sicily can fill that roll when he learns to keep a lid on things.
Onside
Guest
Alex Ferguson , then of Manchester United , was another great example of a manager prepared to let 'old warriors' go when they had perhaps just one more season in them. Instead of selling a player to an obscure club in say Turkey for 6 million , he would sell him to a well run lower division English club for day 2 million where they he would be looked after. Players want to go to clubs like Hawthorn ( and others of course) where they will be treated decently . Good Karma.
Daniel Chick's missing finger
Guest
I don't think Clarkson's being "honest" I think he's simply foxing to keep the pressure of expectations off the Hawks.
Birdman
Roar Rookie
….from a Dons supporter who may still miss finals in 2019 and haven’t won one for 15 years? Sure – the Hawks are real underperformers
Boo
Guest
Good comment Onside.Good comparison with Hafey who kept his team up for 15 or so years.
Onside
Guest
Tom Hafey, the legendary VFL coach of Richmond once said something like ' if the your best team gives it its very best shot and finishes third , its folly to imagine the same group of players can do any better the following season. It is therefore better to cull the squad, bring in some youngsters, and be prepared to finish 7th for a couple of years until the team is ready to have another crack at the flag' . Clarkson has unloaded a couple of 'ageing' super stars in the last couple of years, been appreciate of excellent service, and eased them into other clubs. A wonderful coach who must work with a very supportive club.
Maxine
Guest
You have to really admire Clarksons honesty,as well as his football brain. He's an all time great for a reason.
Iambillbob
Roar Rookie
Hahaha don’t think so
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
You have to love Clarkson as a coach. He is honest about the group of individuals they have, they are young and inconsistent, and while they will be Finals contenders and contending for the Premiership in a couple of years, the team is not ready to be a Finals team this season.
Rissole
Roar Rookie
A very old and experienced team with the best coach in the business. Should be in the finals mix at a minimum.
Peter Warrington
Guest
theer are some scenarios where Hawks win in rd 23 to pinch 8, with a win in Perth over the eagles. unlikely, but if they are still a chance it may limit the Eagles win, which could cost % if all 4 top teams end on 64 (possible outcome).
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Clarko's legend keeps growing every year. Rationale assessment of where the Hawks are with a young inconsistent group drawn from average to poor draft positions blended with some serious experience.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
No one wants to take hold of 8th spot