After seeking clarification from the AFL about multiple controversial prohibited contact free kicks in Hawthorn's loss to the Western Bulldogs last Sunday, coach Alastair Clarkson has a simple message for his players: don't do it.
Defender James Sicily conceded a free kick to Josh Schache as the Dogs overran the Hawks, and midfielder Jaeger O'Meara gave one up to Jackson Macrae.
Clubs were notified earlier this week such decisions would continue to be made.
Clarkson told reporters on Friday morning his advice was simple.
"The safest option is to not engage in any of that type of play off the ball," Clarkson said.
"If we are more disciplined in that and every other player in the competition is like that too, and the officiating of the game supports that, then it's all going to be fine."
The master coach didn't reveal whether he supported the rule.
"It's not about whether I like it or not. They're the rules as they are and if they're going to be adjudicated that way, then we need to abide by them," Clarkson said.
"We'll toe the line and be better in that space."
Recruit Chad Wingard is set to make his Hawthorn debut against North Melbourne on Sunday afternoon at the MCG.
Despite hamstring injuries to midfielders Liam Shiels and Shaun Burgoyne, along with the season-long absence of Tom Mitchell (broken left leg), the dual All Australian will likely spend most of his time up forward.
"We might have to pinch-hit with him occasionally from time to time, and that might happen on Sunday, but by and large, we just need him to get used to playing with his teammates and playing in one position on the ground," Clarkson said.
Versatile tall Ryan Schoenmakers will line up in his first match in about a month when he returns for Box Hill against the Casey Demons at Box Hill City Oval on Sunday at 11.40am AEST.
Clarkson refused to reveal what had ailed the left-footer.
"He's had a couple of niggles and complaints with various injuries, which has meant he's lacked with his training and playing over the last little while, but he's trained the best part of the last two or three weeks," Clarkson said.
