CLARKO’S COP OUT
EIGHT days ago, Alastair Clarkson and Hawthorn were embarrassed at the Cattery by 61 points. But after a strong showing against reigning premier Richmond, suddenly Clarkson has a pep in his step, declaring “the Cats are not that good”. That comment is certain to draw the ire of Geelong coach Chris Scott and add another layer to one of football’s greatest rivalries.
ONE pointed answer from Alastair Clarkson’s press conference stood out almost as much as Isaac Smith did early on Thursday night, and it might get some more traction come October.
When asked about the response from the previous week, the Hawks coach responded: “I hope I’m not discrediting Geelong by saying that, but they’re not that good.”
“We were just terribly poor.
We expected a response and we got one. But the challenge for us is to back up that response (against North Melbourne),” he added.
The comments won’t have escaped the attention of Cats coach Chris Scott.
In this abbreviated 2020 season, the Hawks won’t meet the Cats again unless they are paired in a final, but expect Clarko’s comments to raise their head at some stage.
This bitter modern rivalry is the gift that keeps on giving.
Clarkson’s efforts to get the Hawks back on track after a woeful second half against Geelong last week showed why he is such an extraordinary motivator of his group.
Importantly, he thinks outside the square and he doesn’t panic when the pack suggests he needs to switch things around.
He backed in premiership ruckman Ben McEvoy in a key defensive role when many questioned him against the Cats last week.
“Big Boy” delivered in spades, having the best of a duel with last year’s Coleman Medallist Tom Lynch, keeping him to a goal and having four intercept marks himself.
Likewise, Clarkson stuck with Jon Ceglar as the Hawks’ ruckman, and it paid dividends. Ceglar helped set the scene with 15 disposals, 20 hitouts, 20 hit-outs to advantage and seven clearances and clearly had the better of Tigers’ big man Ivan Soldo.
Clarkson had also put his underperforming midfield under fire after being exposed last week. With Jaeger O’Meara back to provide a better balance, the Hawks mids repaid the coach in spades and outworked the Tigers.