Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson has lauded the Hawks’ senior group of players who he says have stepped-up as leaders of the club.
After losing a raft of on-field experience over the past two off-seasons, Clarkson said a core group of senior players, alongside second-year captain Jarryd Roughead, had filled the void admirably, while the next wave of future leaders had also begun to emerge.
“We’ve had a lot of players (step up), particularly Roughy,” the four-time premiership coach said.
“But Isaac Smith, Liam Shiels, Ben Stratton, Jack Gunston, these guys and there’s a whole heap of guys underneath those ones.”
Answering fans' questions as part of afl.com.au's Ask The Coach segment, Clarkson also pointed to inexperienced pair Ryan Burton and James Sicily as two of the Hawks’ younger brigade that have also impressed.
“(They’re) two that have jumped into our emerging leadership group,” Clarkson said.
“They’re part of the younger generation of our footy club and have really shown some signs over the course of the last 12 months that they want to play some great footy for our club, as well as lead some of their teammates.
“So we’re looking forward to those guys making an impact in the years to come.”
