HAWTHORN’S 22-point win over Port Adelaide on Thursday night was a statement to the competition that the Hawks are a serious premiership threat, coach Alastair Clarkson says.

The Power entered the game having won each of the past two encounters between the clubs and on Wednesday Clarkson was strong in his questioning of their ability to consistently play hard football.

Port stuck with the Hawks for the most part on Thursday, but Clarkson said his team’s victory should remind the football world of its quality.

"We’ve been quite poor against this side for a period of time and it was time that we took a stand," Clarkson said.

"[My comments] were pointed to the footy community, Port Adelaide, Hawthorn and the whole footy world - we’re a much better club than what we’ve performed at against Port Adelaide in the past.

"We needed to put everyone on notice that we weren’t going to come here and lie down, we weren’t going to be ambushed."

Clarkson said the Hawks’ midfield, led by ruckmen Ben McEvoy and Jonathon Ceglar, was able to get on top in the third term - when the club extended a six-point lead to a 30-point margin.

The win means Hawthorn consolidated top spot ahead of its blockbuster match-up against the Sydney Swans next week at the SCG.

However Liam Shiels is in serious doubt to play in that clash after experiencing hamstring tightness against the Power.

Shiels collected 12 possessions before putting on a tracksuit and spending the remainder of the game on the interchange bench.

It’s too early to be certain how significant the injury is, but Clarkson said the 25-year-old could be up against it to take on the Swans.

"He couldn’t take any further part in the game because he just had some hamstring tightness - he didn’t have an ‘event’ but we’re just not certain [how bad it is]," he said.

"Sometimes they can pull up really, really quickly and he’ll be OK, I’d reckon because he couldn’t play in the second half he’d be doubtful for next week.

"Once we get those scans we’ll be in a much better position to determine what his availability is for next week and beyond."

Tim O’Brien, who was a late withdrawal on Thursday night with illness, is a chance to return as he nears full health.