Clarko admits he erred in criticising Papley for ‘milking’ free kicks

HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson has admitted he slipped-up when he clipped Swan Tom Papley for “milking” free kicks on Saturday.

The Hawks’ premiership mastermind is expected to be hit with a please explain from the AFL on Tuesday for his controversial comments about Papley’s tactics and the freekick count on the back of a fourth-straight defeat.

Clarkson has been in hot water before for umpire abuse at AFL and community level and will be asked for his response before the AFL considers a potential penalty.

Clarkson said in his postmatch press conference that

Sydney’s Papley regularly milked free kicks after securing a double goal when James Frawley bowled him over while he taunted teammate Tom Mitchell.

Last night Clarkson said he was yet to hear from the AFL, but admitted he should have been more careful in the heat of the moment. “I don’t think I was in any way being disrespectful to the umpires at all, or Tom Papley,” Clarkson said.

“In perhaps in the disappointment of a key moment in the game, I spoke about Tom milking a free kick.

“I should have used different terminology, really, because every player has done that in a game and it was the only way I could actually win a free kick (during his playing career). I should choose my words more wisely in the future.”

The Hawks will attempt to snap their four-game losing streak against an improved Carlton at Perth Stadium on Friday night.

The ageing Hawks have brushed aside calls to begin a full-on rebuild through the draft.