Clarkson hails Hawks' courage
Alastair Clarkson admits he thought his side was 'down and out' before its amazing comeback against the Swans
HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson was all smiles after his team dug deep to beat the Sydney Swans at the SCG after being "down and out" on Saturday night.
The victory propelled Hawthorn to the top of the ladder and leaves the club in the box seat to secure a top-two finish and a home game in the first week of the finals.
Clarkson said his players showed tremendous determination to reel in the early deficit and come away with the vital premiership points.
"We were down and out halfway through the second quarter and somehow these guys dug deep and got themselves back in the contest," Clarkson told reporters after the match.
"We are really pleased that we were able to do it this time because we couldn't do it against Geelong a month ago.
"It's really good for the confidence of the group, confidence of the coaching staff, confidence of the club."
In a stirring fightback, the Hawks rallied from 38 points down midway through the second term to overcome the Swans 15.12 (102) to 14.11 (95).
Ryan O'Keefe's goal with about 70 seconds left in the game had put the home side five points in front, but Shaun Burgoyne showed nerves of steel to mark and goal from about 40 metres out to give the visitors the lead. Brad Sewell then sealed the win with another late goal.
The Hawks host West Coast at the MCG next Friday night, a game which gives spearhead Lance Franklin another opportunity to tune up ahead of the finals.
Franklin, playing his first match after six weeks on the sidelines due to injury and illness, finished the night with four goals, including three in the second quarter.
"He played an important role for the side, kicked four goals and looked dangerous at different stages," Clarkson said of Franklin's efforts against the Swans.
"He gets another one against West Coast next Friday night and hopefully prepares well for a big finals series for us."