Hawthorn has been dealt a disappointing loss to the Suns, with Gold Coast leading from start to finish.

Alastair Clarkson was disappointed by another poor start, with the Hawks conceding four goals before finding their first.

He noted Gold Coast’s forward-half domination early, with the Suns recording the first 14 inside 50s of the game.

“We just found that we were plugging holes right across the course of the game,” Clarkson said,

“The first part of the game they just smacked us in the contest, and had the game played totally in their half of the ground.

“It wasn’t really until the last quarter that the game was played more in our terms.”

Despite his side languishing near the bottom of the ladder, Clarkson said his players are holding onto the positives.

He said he was also pleased to get some games into youngsters such as Ned Reeves and Damon Greaves.

“The group understands where we’re at,” he said,

“We feel we’re better than two wins and nine losses, but having said that the scoreboard in a lot of ways doesn’t lie either.

“We know our depth is being tested throughout the course of the year, and at some point in time that’s going to pay dividends for us because we’re giving some exposure to some younger players."

Watch Clarkson's full press conference below.