Hawthorn’s 53-point win against the Suns in Launceston wasn’t a glitzy affair, but coach Alastair Clarkson took plenty of positives from the Hawks’ hard work in overcoming a slow start.

“We didn’t start well and Gold Coast did. To their credit, they jumped out to a pretty good lead and it could have been more at quarter time,” Clarkson said.

“We got cracking after quarter time and started to win some ball around the middle of the ground which was pivotal for us to be able to apply some scoreboard pressure.”

It was a tough day in front of goal for both sides, with the Hawks kicking 18 behinds.

“It was hardly a highly entertaining game in terms of the quality of the footy. Both sides kicked poorly and that didn’t add to the spectacle unfortunately.

“Some of the work that either side did to get the footy in the hands of the guys to kick goals was good, but the conversion of both sides to set shots was well below what we expect at this level.”

Shaun Burgoyne sat out the fourth quarter to manage some soreness.

“He (Burgoyne) was just sore and tired late in the game. He’s had a big week with his 350th last week. There’s no point taking a risk with him. We need to monitor him this week, given the load he’s had.”

Jack Gunston didn’t have an easy run in Launceston, copping a knock in the warm up and then a corkie in a contest early in the first quarter.

“On a day when no one could kick straight, he (Gunston) was pretty important for us. Under duress he was still able to make a contribution to our side.“

Clarkson admits the Hawks aren’t playing their best brand of footy yet and have some room for improvement as they work towards playing finals footy.

“We’re under no illusions that we need to improve in the second half of the year,” Clarkson said.

“The sides above us are probably playing a better brand of footy than us at the present time, but we feel that there’s some blue sky there in terms of the way that we play and some improvement in our players. If we do that, we give ourselves a chance.”