Bulldogs coach says league overreacted to Clarkson rant

[Axe Man]

Bulldogs coach says league overreacted to Clarkson rant (https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/western-bulldogs/afl-2020-bulldogs-coach-says-league-overreacted-to-clarkson-rant/news-story/297c751034dc6bff87d5375400b50662)
https://i.postimg.cc/SskdpgLt/tackle.png (https://postimages.org/)

Western Bulldogs premiership coach Luke Beveridge believes the AFL shouldn’t have reacted to angry Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson.

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says the AFL “flinched” last week in response to Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson’s criticisms and it shouldn’t have.

A post-match rant from Clarkson after his team defeated North Melbourne in Round 4 promoted a league crackdown on holding the ball from all umpires.

Beveridge said Clarkson was within his rights as a “statesman” of the game to voice his opinion. But the Bulldogs premiership coach said Clarkson wasn’t always right.

“Clarko has got every right as a statesman of the game to have his opinion and put that across. But it’s up to the powers at the AFL to work out whether or not they flinch, and they flinched. We need to be better than that,” Beveridge said on Thursday.

“Imagine the challenge for the umpires and the players that within a week we have a change or an adjustment. We do it too often and it’s not acceptable.

“Clarko is a very influential figure in the game … he has shaped the game in many ways. But whether or not he’s right all the time, that’s the decision at AFL House.

“We need to make sure we are measured in our thought processes and we make good decisions for the game and everyone involved in it.”

Beveridge said the swift reaction to Clarkson’s comments from AFL headquarters hurt the integrity of the game.

“It means there’s no real formal process to discuss and risk manage what’s going to happen at the end of that,” he said.

“We always have to forecast the change that will happen with any adjustment to rules, interpretation and adjudication, and we don’t do it well enough. But we have to be better at it.”

Beveridge said the part of the game Clarkson attacked, unrewarded tackles that stops the flow of the game, wasn’t an area that needed fixing.

“It depends what you want. Do you love a contest, physicality a situation where there are 10 or 12 tackles and is ballistic and the ball is still alive. There is nothing better in the game.

“Why do you want to pay a free kick for a marginal situation when players are going at it and the ball stays alive. That’s one of the most entertaining parts of the game, but we want to change that.

“There are plenty of other great things in our game without picking at the things which aren’t pleasing to the eye.”

Beveridge revealed midfielder Lachie Hunter was a “big chance” to play against Carlton on Sunday having served his four-game suspension after being hit with drink-driving charges.

But both Bailey Smith and Laitham Vandermeer will have to get through training after suffering concussion in last week’s win over North Melbourne.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Well said Bevo, I have no improvement on what you said, no elaboration needed.

[Ozza]

Love that he has come out and given Clarko and the AFL a bit of a clip on this. I don't usually get too caught up in rules of the game discussion, but this one really riled me. I HATE the 'reward the tackler' mentality, when you have ball players trying to make the play.
Paying MORE free kicks does nothing for the game. And some of the free kicks paid last weekend are exactly what makes supporters lose their minds at games.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Love that he has come out and given Clarko and the AFL a bit of a clip on this. I don't usually get too caught up in rules of the game discussion, but this one really riled me. I HATE the 'reward the tackler' mentality, when you have ball players trying to make the play.
Paying MORE free kicks does nothing for the game. And some of the free kicks paid last weekend are exactly what makes supporters lose their minds at games.

Me too. Knee-jerk decisions made without rational examination of the data and proposed solutions is a recipe for both not solving the pronlem, but actually creating new ones. Its the worst way to try and introduce effective change. Itreflects poorly on the professionalism of the game's administrators that they don't seem to understand this.

[hujsh]

It's also extremely obvious that if a coach suggests a rule change, regardless of how they dress it up, it's going to be one designed to benefit their team.

You can bet if Clarkson coached a team full of contested ball winning beasts there's be zero talk of 'rewarding the tackler'. It'd be all about making sure the ball winners are protected.

You couldn't pick a more biased person to listen to on rule changes than a coach. At least a 1-eyed fan might misunderstand their team's strengths and gameplan.

[bornadog]

I agree we should not just reward the tackler, but since Prior Opportunity came in, players have tried to hold on to the ball to force a stoppage. There must be a genuine attempt to get rid of the ball.

Having said that, you don't change the interpretation from one week to another.

[Mitcha]

It seemed to me that Norf last weekend purposely created as many stoppages as they could to try and stifle our outside run and carry game because it was obvious that once the ball left the stoppage they had no answer. We had one side (us) wanting the ball outside but them trying to lock it in. We shouldn't be rewarding the tackler because it creates more players around the stoppage sweating on the ball winner. The AFL once again have it around the wrong way and should be promoting an outside game which is more attractive to the eye.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

It seemed to me that Norf last weekend purposely created as many stoppages as they could to try and stifle our outside run and carry game because it was obvious that once the ball left the stoppage they had no answer. We had one side (us) wanting the ball outside but them trying to lock it in. We shouldn't be rewarding the tackler because it creates more players around the stoppage sweating on the ball winner. The AFL once again have it around the wrong way and should be promoting an outside game which is more attractive to the eye.

Yes well said. Blind Freddy could have seen this coming. As soon as the AFL flinched to Clarko's demands it was obvious what was going to happen. A: An overreaction from the AFL and thus the umpires (the latter who are not at fault) and B: Not immediately but after weeks of umpiring HTB too hastily, players will stop trying to win the ball themselves and instead aim to immediately be second to the pill in order to apply the tackle and win the free kick. Is that what Clarko and the AFL would like? Isn't this the same Clarko who had a sly comment about us and prior opportunity in the 2016 semi? Unfortunately the reaction from the AFL is unsurprising to say the least. I mean it wouldn't have surprised me for them to allow throwing in response to Isreal Falou joing the giants. It's been going on for years and i don't think there are many fans out there who hold the powers that be with any sort of integrity. This is just yet the latest example of the poor administration our game is facing from an on-the-field point of view

[Bulldog Joe]

It seemed to me that Norf last weekend purposely created as many stoppages as they could to try and stifle our outside run and carry game because it was obvious that once the ball left the stoppage they had no answer. We had one side (us) wanting the ball outside but them trying to lock it in. We shouldn't be rewarding the tackler because it creates more players around the stoppage sweating on the ball winner. The AFL once again have it around the wrong way and should be promoting an outside game which is more attractive to the eye.

I seem to be the voice of dissent, but I don't want to see continual stoppages. The prior opportunity interpretation gave too much leeway for a player to simply grab the ball and take the tackle for a ball up.

The umpiring last week (although sometimes over zealous), basically said it is ok to be a ball winner, but you must at least make a genuine attempt to get the ball out.

The games flowed better because of it.

The move the ball on idea, also adds another skill, in knowing when to take possession.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

I seem to be the voice of dissent, but I don't want to see continual stoppages. The prior opportunity interpretation gave too much leeway for a player to simply grab the ball and take the tackle for a ball up.

The umpiring last week (although sometimes over zealous), basically said it is ok to be a ball winner, but you must at least make a genuine attempt to get the ball out.

The games flowed better because of it.

The move the ball on idea, also adds another skill, in knowing when to take possession.

Yes I agree with this but I didn't see much of it last week. I don't like players simply taking possession and locking it in. I'd prefer them to paddle the ball along to avoid being tackled and another ball-up. If we could move towards strategic taps/paddles at stoppages to avoid repeated ball-ups that would be great. But to what Bevo is saying, rather than a knee-jerk reaction to a complaint from a coach, lets sit down, identify what we actually view as the problem, why it's a problem and then set about addressing it to achieve the desired outcome. Because this knee-jerk reaction at the moment has umpires, fans, coaches and especially players confused as to what is going to happen if they take possession of the ball.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Yes well said. Blind Freddy could have seen this coming. As soon as the AFL flinched to Clarko's demands it was obvious what was going to happen. A: An overreaction from the AFL and thus the umpires (the latter who are not at fault) and B: Not immediately but after weeks of umpiring HTB too hastily, players will stop trying to win the ball themselves and instead aim to immediately be second to the pill in order to apply the tackle and win the free kick. Is that what Clarko and the AFL would like? Isn't this the same Clarko who had a sly comment about us and prior opportunity in the 2016 semi? Unfortunately the reaction from the AFL is unsurprising to say the least. I mean it wouldn't have surprised me for them to allow throwing in response to Isreal Falou joing the giants. It's been going on for years and i don't think there are many fans out there who hold the powers that be with any sort of integrity. This is just yet the latest example of the poor administration our game is facing from an on-the-field point of view



Ha just as I mentioned Clarko's comments re our 2016 semi against them, he brings it up again today. I don't think he has gotten over us knocking them off:

"If I was a significant influence then things would have changed (four) years ago when I spoke after the Western Bulldogs final," Clarkson said.

"Nothing's changed since then. If it has changed a little bit in the past week, I'm hoping it's for the betterment of the game and not necessarily just for the betterment of the Hawks. I hope people can see through that and see it's ... for the betterment of the game because I think the game will open up a little bit more if the whistle is blown just a little bit more."

[Rocket Science]

Can you think of another major professional sporting code that merrily alters its rules mid-season, let alone at the urging of one of its coaches?

Bravo Bevo, and Clarko's not the culprit here despite wondering if he might exert some influence on an AFEL vulnerable to the latest 'state of the game' debate - it's entirely their willingness to operate in ways that mean they're constantly chasing their arses on this matter.

Absolute hacks.

[Stefcep]

Like I said in the North game day thread, its ridiculous that a rule change occurs 1.during the season and 2. within days of a coach having a whinge.

[FrediKanoute]

Got to get the balance right. If you favour the tackler over the guy going in and getting the pill then you are penalising the playmaker and encouraging the bottling up of the game.

[HOSE B ROMERO]

This all bodes well for an extra edge when we meet the horrible hawks. Clarkson wouldn't like one of his ex-deputies speaking out against his views.

[Hotdog60]

The AFL is always jerking with the rules. One unlucky broken leg and straight away we see the Voss's and Cross's strength and determination to win the football go out the window.
An inventive way to clear congestion from a ruck stoppage and just helps win a team a final and it's outlawed.
The only problem with the game today is the AFL.

[G-Mo77]

This all bodes well for an extra edge when we meet the horrible hawks. Clarkson wouldn't like one of his ex-deputies speaking out against his views.

I don't think he did though. It was more a shot at the AFL quickly looking for a change to the rules because of Clarkson's issues on that day.

[Sedat]

I agree 100% with Bevo in relation to the ham-fisted process of changing the HTB interpretation - embarrassing that a professional competition changes a rule mid stream off the back of one coach complaining. But I disagree 100% with him on the actual rule change, as it has been desperately needed to help alleviate the awful congestion problems as a result of players being coached to hatch the ball and take the tackle.

[bornadog]

as a result of players being coached to hatch the ball and take the tackle.

In the past if players knew they were going to be tackled, they wouldn't take possession, but rather paddle the ball along or fist it forward if the ball was in the air. How many times have we seen players grab the ball and then anticipate the tackle to get a stoppage.

[Doc26]

Clarkson slams the game and by extension the AFL and rather than get a ‘please explain’ letter from the AFL like so many others would, Clarkson actually gets rewarded with what he demanded from them.

Is it any wonder that those that don’t get equal treatment or a hearing feel a desperation at times to speak out.

A billion dollar industry where this mob have no idea how to positively affect the look of the game other than making it nigh on impossible for the umpires to adjudicate the game fairly.

[Twodogs]

In the past if players knew they were going to be tackled, they wouldn't take possession, but rather paddle the ball along or fist it forward if the ball was in the air. How many times have we seen players grab the ball and then anticipate the tackle to get a stoppage.

Or get spun 360 or even 720 degrees by the tackler while looking for an option to release while the umpire stands there looking. It happened a couple of times on the weekend.

[Grantysghost]

In the past if players knew they were going to be tackled, they wouldn't take possession, but rather paddle the ball along or fist it forward if the ball was in the air. How many times have we seen players grab the ball and then anticipate the tackle to get a stoppage.

Or quickly handpass to a team mate under pressure to reset the prior opportunity. They get tackled immediately and it's a stoppage.

[comrade]

One thing that slows the game down is rewarding short 10m kicks as a mark, rather than calling it as a play on like it should be.

Interestingly, Hawthorn relies on short precision kicking to maintain possession but Clarkson was strangely quiet on that one

[Grantysghost]

One thing that slows the game down is rewarding short 10m kicks as a mark, rather than calling it as a play on like it should be.

Interestingly, Hawthorn relies on short precision kicking to maintain possession but Clarkson was strangely quiet on that one

I felt that day he was seriously deflecting after the Hawks were completely overrun by North in the last quarter. Every wall in that coaches box was fearful as he sat there twisting and contorting every time something went against them; I’m sure he will have a blood pressure related event one of these days during a game. He threw the toys out of the cot, and the AFL soothed him with appeasement.

[Doc26]

One thing that slows the game down is rewarding short 10m kicks as a mark, rather than calling it as a play on like it should be.

Interestingly, Hawthorn relies on short precision kicking to maintain possession but Clarkson was strangely quiet on that one

Clarkson should hardly be on some pedestal for promoting the spectacle of the game. It’s about what is most likely to give him success with what he has at his disposal.

Hawthorn and Clarkson were the Team who initiated the tactic of deliberately rushing behinds to force stoppages and a reset from defence. It was a blight on the game at the time. From memory there was something like 10 deliberate rushed behinds by Hawthorn in the 2008 Grand Final.

[Ozza]

Clarkson should hardly be on some pedestal for promoting the spectacle of the game. It’s about what is most likely to give him success with what he has at his disposal.

Hawthorn and Clarkson were the Team who initiated the tactic of deliberately rushing behinds to force stoppages and a reset from defence. It was a blight on the game at the time. From memory there was something like 10 deliberate rushed behinds by Hawthorn in the 2008 Grand Final.

He also played the biggest role in the zone defence which has eliminated positional play. And coaches what I think has been the most UN-watchable team of the past 4 seasons. Sure, they find a way to win games and either develop or recruit high footy-IQ players to carry out their game plan well - but it is absolutely painstaking to watch them set up behind the ball and chipping it around when they have it.

[westdog54]

Ha just as I mentioned Clarko's comments re our 2016 semi against them, he brings it up again today. I don't think he has gotten over us knocking them off:

"If I was a significant influence then things would have changed (four) years ago when I spoke after the Western Bulldogs final," Clarkson said.

"Nothing's changed since then. If it has changed a little bit in the past week, I'm hoping it's for the betterment of the game and not necessarily just for the betterment of the Hawks. I hope people can see through that and see it's ... for the betterment of the game because I think the game will open up a little bit more if the whistle is blown just a little bit more."

Apparently Hawthorn laid 102 tackles that night and won only 3 HTB free kicks.

It had nothing to do with not 'rewarding the tackler' and was instead:

1. Testament to the 'Handball Club' and our ability in-close.
2. An indictment on their ability to win the ball in the 3rd quarter. We almost doubled their disposal count.

[kruder]

Clarko is just pissed that his current refresh strategy, rather then rebuild wont get him a premiership.

The question I have is the current strategy best for the Hawks? Or is is best for Clarko?

[bornadog]

Clarko is just pissed that his current refresh strategy, rather then rebuild wont get him a premiership.

The question I have is the current strategy best for the Hawks? Or is is best for Clarko?

10 players with over 150 games

[jazzadogs]

On the topic of coaches wanting things without thinking them through, Hardwick was calling for 6-8 players on the bench again today.

It seems stupid to me. You would have heaps of players with such low TOG that they can't impact the game, and would cool down during their stints on the bench.

If anything the current interchange limit should be reduced (in line with the quarter length reduction), encouraging player fatigue which will limit the ability to zone effectively. This will then make it easier for teams to break through the zone, as an attacking game will have more space to lead/kick into regardless of their own fatigue.

[jeemak]

On the topic of coaches wanting things without thinking them through, Hardwick was calling for 6-8 players on the bench again today.

It seems stupid to me. You would have heaps of players with such low TOG that they can't impact the game, and would cool down during their stints on the bench.

If anything the current interchange limit should be reduced (in line with the quarter length reduction), encouraging player fatigue which will limit the ability to zone effectively. This will then make it easier for teams to break through the zone, as an attacking game will have more space to lead/kick into regardless of their own fatigue.

I'd be more inclined to bring in a sub or two. Keep the interchange numbers as they are and have to bring the subs in prior to 3/4 time.

Freshens up the game a touch, and helps teams to not have to run who they have left after an injury or two into the ground so they can be available the following week. Also means that some players who are battling through with a niggle attained through the game not having to really wear it down.

[Bulldog Joe]

Clarko is just pissed that his current refresh strategy, rather then rebuild wont get him a premiership.

The question I have is the current strategy best for the Hawks? Or is is best for Clarko?

The answer is neither.

Clarko is desperate for another flag and wants shortcuts because he perhaps feels that he hasn't got time to do a proper rebuild.

He risks his own legacy and might end up viewed like Mick as an angry old man.

For Hawthorn they are just in a twilight zone of not being good enough to challenge but not being bad enough to access the elite kids.

They have a long tail precisely because they have targeted senior players who command higher salaries and need more bottom level to fill up the team.

[Dancin' Douggy]

Yeah I agree, and well said Bevo. And it also seems like the rule 'reinterpretation' has backfired on the hawks anyway. It seems the umpires may have actually turned Clarko's fire back on himself. Watching Hawthorn now is like watching the least cohesive team imaginable. Just a bunch of individual self satisfied ex high draft picks, or ruthless selfish players like Wingard, who really is even more of a selfish player than he was before he drank the Clarko Koolaid. The idea of cherry picking players like O'meara, Patten, Scully etc as a way of routing the system was just doomed to fail. I feel for Patten, I really do, but I'm always secretly happy when things turn to shit for Hawthorn.

The greatest Hypocrisy in football, (and it's deeply hypocritical on several levels), is the wealthy supporter base, Jeff Kennett, Beyond Blue, Poker machine revenue, Bermuda Quadrangle. Kennett bangs on about men's mental health etc blah blah blah and he acts all sensitive and caring. But Hawthorn makes more Money from pokies than any other team, yet they represent the richest people in Victoria. And where are the poker machines??? In Hawthorn??? No way. They are out in Caroline Springs, and other outer suburbs. One of the big drivers of domestic violence and depression is problem gambling., Hawthorn football club make me sick.
I resent their achievements. I wish them nothing But tragedy and disaster.
Well..........I guess that covers it.

[jeemak]

They are pretty putrid aren't they.

I for one hope their destination club status continues to stifle them.

As for Patton, he's a wanker who is kind of paying for it by being injured constantly. I remember the shit he and a few others piled onto Toyd after Lobbe took a mark in the 2016 preliminary final. Toyd had been toiling in the ruck for most of the night and was cooked and they really gave it to him. I'm glad the guy who had the last laugh had the last laugh.

[Bulldog Joe]

They are pretty putrid aren't they.

I for one hope their destination club status continues to stifle them.

As for Patton, he's a wanker who is kind of paying for it by being injured constantly. I remember the shit he and a few others piled onto Toyd after Lobbe took a mark in the 2016 preliminary final. Toyd had been toiling in the ruck for most of the night and was cooked and they really gave it to him. I'm glad the guy who had the last laugh had the last laugh.

I add that I know of someone who had a personal involvement with him and her opinion is that you are not wrong.

[Happy Days]

Hawthorn feel incredibly stale and uninspiring. Their aversion to the draft is bewildering especially considering that their sustained success was largely off the back of nailing it there.

This weird belief that it was actually their work at the trade table that they've cultivated and turned into a list philosophy is killing them now. They have a few shiny toys but next to no exciting young talent.

[The Adelaide Connection]

Clarkson and the Hawks are rightfully getting battered in the media at the moment. Here is one where people are pushing back at his assertions that the game is dreadful, citing his game plan and the Hawks list as the issue.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2020-hawthorn-dreadful-game-plan-alastair-clarkson-state-of-the-game-dreadful-comments-ben-stratton-kane-cornes/news-story/e6e69f403ed45c94accd267a31089cd3

Kane Cornes lashes Clarko’s ‘dreadful’ game plan, calls for Hawks skipper change.
Cornes said there were “massive concerns” around Clarkson’s Hawks, who suffered their second straight loss on Friday night after going down to Collingwood by 32 points at Giants Stadium.

Both losses have come after Clarkson sensationally questioned the state of the game, saying footy was in a “dreadful space”.

Speaking on AFL Media’s The Round So Far, Cornes pointed out the Hawks’ 318 disposals and 91 uncontested marks led to just 32 inside 50 entries against the Pies. They only had four scoring shots to three quarter-time (2.2).

Cornes said Clarkson had been “made to look foolish” since he made those comments after the Round 4 match against North Melbourne.

“He called it (the game was) in a ‘dreadful’ space – well, AFL is not in a dreadful space, your game plan is in a dreadful space,” Cornes told The Round So Far.

“They are playing this chip, short, possessions-off, slow, wide football, racking up a lot of touches but doing absolutely nothing with it.

“I’d hate to be a forward in Alastair Clarkson’s game style. They can’t score, they were 11th for scoring coming into this round – and that’s considering Melbourne and Essendon had played one less game than everyone else – and after Friday night, they’ll probably drop even further.

“He’s got massive issues with his game plan and a few of his experienced players that are out of form like Tom Scully and captain Ben Stratton.”

Stratton and several veteran Hawks came under fire following the loss to Collingwood.

The Hawks this year have seven players aged over 30 – Stratton, Shaun Burgoyne, Paul Puopolo, Ricky Henderson, James Frawley, Isaac Smith and Ben McEvoy – of which five have played every game so far in 2020.

Triple All-Australian Nick Dal Santo said the Hawks couldn’t keep picking the same side if they continued to lose in such disappointing fashion.

Cornes said Stratton wouldn’t get dropped, but said it was a “strange choice” when he was given the captaincy in early 2019.

“Apart from the pinching issue … this time last year, when is the most memorable moment that Ben Stratton has had? When has there been a time when the game is on the lime that he does something courageous or lifts his team?
“I see him as a background player. He doesn’t seem to be that inspirational captain, even in the mould of a Jarryn Geary, who clearly they’re less talented players – with all due respect – but Geary still inspires his team. I don’t see any of that for Ben Stratton.

“The Hawks will probably have to make a change there. Whether it’s O’Meara, whether it’s Mitchell, whether it’s Sicily – maybe he’s the front-runner – but clearly I think they need a change of leadership at the Hawks because Ben Stratton has struggled since being made captain.”

[bornadog]

North play a similar game style to the Hawks with slow ball movement. The Hawks have played this style for a long time and recruited players that are able to pass the ball with pin point accuracy, however, teams have woken up to this. All you need to do is be ultra defensive and not allow them space to pass, and soon enough they cough up the ball.

[jazzadogs]

Surely Sicily isn't the front runner to be Hawthorn captain? He doesn't strike me as a leader.

Mitchell, O'Meara and Shiels (how old is he now?) would be ahead of him.

[Hotdog60]

Are they also suffering from a lack of tall talent up forward. Gunston ok but there are no Buddy's or Roughheads down there to offer a bail out after chipping it around the park.

[hujsh]

Surely Sicily isn't the front runner to be Hawthorn captain? He doesn't strike me as a leader.

Mitchell, O'Meara and Shiels (how old is he now?) would be ahead of him.

How often are traded in players made the captain of a club? I can think of Judd and Buckley (though Bucks made the move young IIRC) but no others. Are there others in the modern era I'm not thinking of? Excluding the expansion clubs for obvious reasons.

Feels a bit off to me personally

[hujsh]

Are they also suffering from a lack of tall talent up forward. Gunston ok but there are no Buddy's or Roughheads down there to offer a bail out after chipping it around the park.

Not to worry Patton will sort that out... oh wait nevermind.

[1eyedog]

Clarkson and the Hawks are rightfully getting battered in the media at the moment. Here is one where people are pushing back at his assertions that the game is dreadful, citing his game plan and the Hawks list as the issue.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2020-hawthorn-dreadful-game-plan-alastair-clarkson-state-of-the-game-dreadful-comments-ben-stratton-kane-cornes/news-story/e6e69f403ed45c94accd267a31089cd3

Kane Cornes lashes Clarko’s ‘dreadful’ game plan, calls for Hawks skipper change.
Cornes said there were “massive concerns” around Clarkson’s Hawks, who suffered their second straight loss on Friday night after going down to Collingwood by 32 points at Giants Stadium.

Both losses have come after Clarkson sensationally questioned the state of the game, saying footy was in a “dreadful space”.

Speaking on AFL Media’s The Round So Far, Cornes pointed out the Hawks’ 318 disposals and 91 uncontested marks led to just 32 inside 50 entries against the Pies. They only had four scoring shots to three quarter-time (2.2).

Cornes said Clarkson had been “made to look foolish” since he made those comments after the Round 4 match against North Melbourne.

“He called it (the game was) in a ‘dreadful’ space – well, AFL is not in a dreadful space, your game plan is in a dreadful space,” Cornes told The Round So Far.

“They are playing this chip, short, possessions-off, slow, wide football, racking up a lot of touches but doing absolutely nothing with it.

“I’d hate to be a forward in Alastair Clarkson’s game style. They can’t score, they were 11th for scoring coming into this round – and that’s considering Melbourne and Essendon had played one less game than everyone else – and after Friday night, they’ll probably drop even further.

“He’s got massive issues with his game plan and a few of his experienced players that are out of form like Tom Scully and captain Ben Stratton.”

Stratton and several veteran Hawks came under fire following the loss to Collingwood.

The Hawks this year have seven players aged over 30 – Stratton, Shaun Burgoyne, Paul Puopolo, Ricky Henderson, James Frawley, Isaac Smith and Ben McEvoy – of which five have played every game so far in 2020.

Triple All-Australian Nick Dal Santo said the Hawks couldn’t keep picking the same side if they continued to lose in such disappointing fashion.

Cornes said Stratton wouldn’t get dropped, but said it was a “strange choice” when he was given the captaincy in early 2019.

“Apart from the pinching issue … this time last year, when is the most memorable moment that Ben Stratton has had? When has there been a time when the game is on the lime that he does something courageous or lifts his team?
“I see him as a background player. He doesn’t seem to be that inspirational captain, even in the mould of a Jarryn Geary, who clearly they’re less talented players – with all due respect – but Geary still inspires his team. I don’t see any of that for Ben Stratton.

“The Hawks will probably have to make a change there. Whether it’s O’Meara, whether it’s Mitchell, whether it’s Sicily – maybe he’s the front-runner – but clearly I think they need a change of leadership at the Hawks because Ben Stratton has struggled since being made captain.”

Sounds like Clarkson has had a gutfull. Let's hope his past glories eke out another 3 seasons before they realise he actually stayed 4 years too long.

He's kinda like the superstar no longer relevant veteran who's playing too long but instead of doing a calf every times he runs out he's doing his best Donald trump impersonation.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Clarko is becoming a bit of a Kevin Sheedy. He's had his time in the sun but now he just sounds like a crazy old man yelling at a cloud

[SonofScray]

Agree with Bevo, but reckon we paid for those comments a bit tonight.

[bornadog]

Agree with Bevo, but reckon we paid for those comments a bit tonight.

Some shockers and no consistency with the umpires. You could see players were hesitant to bend over, and when Caleb did was pinged even though the Carlton player had him around the neck.

[Mitcha]

Ridiculously inconsistent interpretations from game to game this weekend, makes a mockery of the holding the ball rule and players looked unsure of what they would or wouldn't get pinged for. Clarkson has much bigger worries surely.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Not just inconsistency between games but within games. I said earlier in the week that it’s only going to get worse over time. Not just the calls but the players response and decision making as they’re confused

[Topdog]

Just remove Prior Opportunity, its rubbish.