Strong, hard Young
Clinton Young's fierce attack on the football against Carlton told the story of Hawthorn's night
HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson criticised his players for being "out-hunted" in losses to the Sydney Swans and Richmond earlier this season, and they've made it their mission not to let it happen again.
Examples of the fierce commitment expected were everywhere in the Hawks' 50-point win over Carlton at the MCG on Friday night.
There was Clinton Young's big chase-down tackle, Brent Guerra and Ben Stratton backing into packs to spoil, and Matt Suckling saving a goal with a smother deep in defence, to name a few.
Young said a focus on playing desperate football had been crucial in the team's current run of four straight victories.
"In our losses this year we weren't really great at keeping our pressure up over four quarters, so we've had a bit of a focus on playing strong, hard footy," the 26-year-old told AFL.com.au post-match.
"We did that tonight, and hopefully we can sustain it for the rest of the year."
Although Carlton finds itself further down the ladder than most expected it would be, the Hawks approached the clash as a crucial one.
With the race for a coveted top four spot tight and facing an opponent playing for its season, anything less than a top-notch performance could have been costly.
"We had a good focus on this game," Young said.
"We got to the break with good momentum, but we knew they'd come out hard, so we wanted to start well and play a good four quarters.
"It was a very important win for our season."
Young had a game-high eight tackles, an effort that would have pleased his coaches.
But the left-footer was critical of himself for not taking his chances in front of goal, having missed two gettable shots on the run.
"It's a big focus for everyone, our defensive pressure, so it was good to get a few tackles tonight," Young said.
"It was just a pity I didn't hit the scoreboard as straight as I'd like.
"But I'll work on that and hopefully I'll have the chance [to make amends] next week.
"If I can get a lot of tackles and hit the scoreboard, then I'm making a contribution to the team and playing my role."
