Beating Geelong last week was one thing, but Hawthorn could truly be on the march to the finals if they can beat the Brisbane Lions on Launceston on Saturday.
The Hawks have moved to within one win of the top eight after a slow start to the season, but coach Alastair Clarkson said how they fared against the Lions, who sit in the top four, would say plenty about whether his side was ready for a premiership run this season or next.
Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson says backing up from last weekend's victory over Geelong will be a challenge against the Brisbane Lions.Credit:AAP
Clarkson said he rated the Lions' midfield in the same class as Geelong, and the test would be whether his young Hawks could back up their efforts from last weekend.
"We have to quell the significance of their midfield and I'd rate their midfield up there with Geelong in terms of potency," Clarkson said.
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"We quelled that potency last week – can we do it again? That's the best challenge.
"If we can, we will make it difficult for Brisbane – but if we can't, Brisbane are going to win."
Young Hawks such as James Worpel, Mitch Lewis and Daniel Howe have stood tall in recent weeks and will have to lift again on Saturday.
"It's a tough season and we are still in and about, but it's still about us finding the method and the personnel that is going to help us become serious challengers," Clarkson said.
"At the moment you couldn't say we were serious challengers.
"We are trying to find the best path to tread in terms of getting there and that might happen in the next six to eight weeks, but it's more unlikely than likely.
"We are going to keep trying, don't you worry about that, but it's more about consolidating some form of our younger players like James Worpel, Howe, O'Brien – those guys trying to consolidate their spots in the side.
"We all saw their performance against a good side in Geelong last week that have shown they can cut it at the level and can perhaps contribute to Hawthorn's next premiership side."
'Doing everything right': Shaun Burgoyne could well be playing on next year, Clarkson says.Credit:AAP
Clarkson also gave an update on the future of veteran star Shaun Burgoyne, who will equal Adam Goodes' record of 372 games as the most AFL games by an indigenous player.
"He's doing everything rightRead More – Source
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