Hawthorn Coach Alastair Clarkson said he couldn't fault his side's endeavour, rather citing a lack of polish in its loss to Sydney on Saturday. 

It was the Hawks' fourth straight loss, with the club now forced to search for a remedy as it heads to Perth to continue its season. 

But Clarkson refused to lay blame on his players' effort levels, saying the foundations were there for a win had the side been able to capitalise on opportunities. 

Match report: Swans prevail as Hawks lose fourth on trot

"We worked really hard and we were pleased with our endeavour," Clarkson said. 

"Probably the difference between the two sides was just their polish across the ground compared to ours.

"They were able to convert some chances out of half chances that they converted to goals.

"We weren't able to do that at the other end."

Hawthorn won the clearance, contested possession, inside 50 and tackle counts against the Swans, but it was John Longmire's side's ability to make the most of its chances that earned itself the four points. 

"Sydney have been such a terrific midfield for such a long period of time," Clarkson said.

"Most games are won or lost in the middle of the ground, but unfortunately, despite us having some ascendancy in that part of the ground with clearances and contested possession, once it got forward for us, we didn't have the polish to get what we needed done."