ALASTAIR Clarkson has moved to reassure Hawthorn supporters that last week's fade-out against the Sydney Swans was not "normal" for the Hawks.

The Hawthorn coach rejected criticism that his players had given up in the second half against the Swans, and said this Saturday night's clash against St Kilda at the MCG would see a side with a full four-quarter intent.

"Those things happen," Clarkson said of the Swans game.

"It's important though that you understand and have complete faith and belief that that's not our normal performance, and we'll hopefully rectify that this week against the Saints.

"We're a competent enough side to be able to win games of footy, and we've got full belief in our players that we'll be able to get ourselves there in the long run."

Clarkson admitted his players were "roasted" in the second half as they were well beaten for contests, tackles and clearances by the Swans. The Hawks led by 20 points at half-time before being overwhelmed by the Swans, who won by 37 points.

"We're terribly disappointed with our second half against Sydney. We put ourselves in a winning position at half time and then faded dreadfully, which was so unlike us," Clarkson said.

"We've scrutinised it a little bit, but basically you move on because you haven't got time to dwell."

Hawthorn has only won two of its five games, but Clarkson is undeterred.

"We've been really competitive in the first four games of the season, and a couple of those results didn't go the way that we would have liked," he said.

"Our competitiveness in four-and-a-half games of footy this year has been outstanding."

The Hawks will be without defender Josh Gibson (ankle) on Saturday night, but Clarkson said the defender could return for the clash with Melbourne next Friday night.