On then off, then on. A change of venues from Darwin to Sydney. A main training session cut short in preparation for a mad dash to the airport. It’s certainly been an eventful 24 hours in regards to Hawthorn’s Round 11 clash against Gold Coast.

But despite the uncertainty that’s surrounded the upcoming round, Coach Alastair Clarkson’s position is clear:

“We’ll just roll with the punches.”

Clarkson and his side are trying to remain as open and flexible as possible, understanding that the ever-changing nature of the pandemic may – no, will - result in hurdles from time to time.

Calm and composed in his virtual press conference from the Hawks’ Sydney-based accommodation, Clarkson praised the AFL in their work in getting this round underway, amid trying circumstances.

“It was a very, very demanding 24 hours for the AFL whilst they were trying to work out where the clubs would play games and the changing of venues and the switching of broadcasting. It was a very, very difficult logistical assignment,” Clarkson said.

“We’re really fortunate the NSW government has been able to provide us with the opportunity to play up here, so we roll with the punches and get on with it.

“We’re ready to go and are looking forward to the game against Gold Coast tomorrow.”

Read: Hawks v Suns moved to Sydney

The Hawks are due to return home on Sunday, however due to the evolving COVID-19 outbreak in Melbourne, it remains unclear whether there will be any further changes to upcoming fixtures.

“It’s really an ‘anywhere, anytime’ type of attitude that the club’s had to take in these circumstances,” Clarkson said.

“We’re fortunate that we still get to play, but we’re also very mindful that the wider community, especially around Melbourne, are in lockdown.

“We’ll play this game and hopefully return to Melbourne, then see where it goes from there.”

Watch Clarkson’s full press conference below.