HAWTHORN is quickly putting Sunday’s disappointing loss tothe Sydney Swans behind it as it prepares for its first finals tilt in sixyears.
Rather than wallowing in negativity about a missed top-fouropportunity, Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson cut a positive figure at Tuesday’spress conference.
“We’re genuinely excited about the opportunity to playfinals footy,” he said when asked about missing the double chance.
“Our club hasn’t been there since 2001 and from our point ofview, to secure 13 wins and get a chance to play finals is quite exciting.
“Yeah we’re disappointed that we weren’t able to go thatfinal hurdle and overcome the Swans and retain fourth spot, but it’s been a tremendousyear for our football club.
“We’ve got a young group and for them to experience the opportunityto play in finals is going to be tremendous for them.”
Clarkson said while Sunday’s 12-goal loss hurt, the Hawkshad quickly turned their attention to next Saturday afternoon’s clash with Adelaide.
“We’ve pretty much moved on as quickly as we possibly can,”he said.
“We quickly reviewed the game (against Sydney) yesterday and(now) it’s all about focusing on Adelaide and how well we can get back on trackand play our best footy.”
Of all eight finalists, many believe Hawthorn received thestiffest draw.
The Hawks have to back up after six days (the Crows arecoming off eight days’ rest) while they meet Neil Craig’s side at Telstra Dome– not on their home turf at the MCG.
But Clarkson doesn’t care where the match is played.
“We’d play on the moon this week if we had to,” he said.
“(It’s) our first final, we haven’t been there for six yearsand our guys are just that excited about the opportunity to play, we couldn’tcare where or what time or whereabouts it was.”
The Crows boast significantly more finals experience,although the Hawks coach dismissed the suggestion that fact would give theinterstate side an advantage come the first siren on Saturday.
“A lot of our group hasn’t played finals footy … you’ve gotto start somewhere,” he said.
“That’s not to say just because you haven’t played in afinal you can’t win them. So we’ll go out there (and) we’ll give ourselvesevery opportunity.
“We came up against the West Coast Eagles earlier in theyear and, even though it was just a home and away game, their finals experiencein their side that particular day would suggest that we’d be wiped off the park… all that’s perception really.”
Clarkson said the Hawks would need to produce their “verybest football” to beat the Crows, and advance further into September.
And Hawthorn officials remain hopeful speedy midfielderChance Bateman, who injured a hamstring against the Swans, will be available tohelp the side’s cause against Adelaide.
“The result of the scan said it was only minimal damage, sowe’ll give him every chance to get himself up,” Clarkson said.
“He’s an important member to our side and we’re more thanlikely going to leave it until Friday or Saturday morning before we make thatcall.
“We’ll let the doctors determine that and Chance himself … hopefullyhe’s good enough to play but we won’t take any risks.”
For all AFL finals news, visit Septopia at afl.com.au
