It was a difficult afternoon for Alastair Clarkson's men, with the Hawks playing catch up all match following an 11-goal first half from North Melbourne.

Despite the 28-point loss, Clarkson said he was proud of the playing group for keeping their heads up until the final siren.

"We played against a quality opposition that the footy world might give a bit more credit to, and maybe we should as a footy club too," Clarkson said in his post-match presser.

"They showed us a clean pair of heels in so many facets of the game in the first half it wasn't funny.

"To the credit of our players... at least we fought the game out and gave ourselves a chance.

"Strangely enough with 10 minutes still to play, we're pressing really hard and still coming, but a couple of things went against us and all it took was them to convert a goal and take the fizz out of our charge."

After trailing by nine goals at half time, the Hawks booted six goals to North Melbourne's one in the third quarter, and looked a chance to stage the biggest turnaround in history. But, it was not to be, with both sides kicking two goals apiece in the final term.

Clarkson remained positive, saying that expects every team to experience the same ebs and flows throughout the season.

"This is going to be a topsy-turvy season.

"You've just got to hang in there as best as you can."

Watch Clarkson's full post-match press conference here.