Hawthorn Coach Alastair Clarkson has praised the efforts of Denver Grainger-Barras and Will Day following his side's inspiring win over GWS on Sunday.

Clarkson said the young defensive duo were both critical in the side's turn of fortunes after the Giants jumped out to an early lead.

"Early in the game when we were really battling and needed someone to find some inspiration, it was young Denver Grainger-Barras who competed in a couple of really important contests for us," Clarkson said. 

"Just his aggression at the footy is really impressive.

"He and Will Day - perhaps our two youngest players - their commitment to the contest was just outstanding."

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The four-time premiership coach said he was impressed with the team's ability to turn its season around after a disappointing five-week period leading into the bye.

"We needed to fix some things up in a whole range of areas heading into the bye.

"But the most significant part was our pressure around the ball and stopping the opposition moving the ball so fluently.

"When the game is so consistently played in your back half, the opposition are eventually going to score so we needed to correct that."

Watch the full press conference below.