Smiling no issue – Clarko

HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson says his players “cracking a smile” on the field is the least of his concerns as the Hawks contemplate how they are going to replace injured defender James Sicily and how to pull apart ladderleader Port Adelaide.

Clarkson’s side has attracted criticism this week for being too “sociable”, after multiple players were seen having a laugh with West Coast opponents last weekend.

The Hawks have lost six of their past seven games, the antics seen by some commentators as no laughing matter given the circumstances.

“It’s probably the least of our concerns, someone cracking a smile in a game of footy,” Clarkson said.

“We need to compete harder and more consistently. We took a step forward, albeit the result didn’t indicate it last week. We competed better and moved the ball better against West Coast.

“But in terms of whether we laugh, smile or otherwise, it’s probably the least of our worries right at this present time. It’s just about getting a kick and trying to move forward with some of our younger players and the methodology we want to rehearse over coming weeks.”

Clarkson did not rule out returning Jack Gunston or Ben McEvoy to defence to help fill the void left after Sicily went down with a season-ending ACL injury against the Eagles.

However, he said that he hoped one of Will Day, Jack Scrimshaw or Changkuoth Jiath would step up and fill Sicily’s spot.

The Hawks won the inside-50 count against West Coast 48-42 last week but lost the game by 32 points.