The Hawks edged the Western Bulldogs by three points at the MCG on Friday night in a tight, gruelling contest, the win giving Clarkson’s team greater momentum as they continue their surge up the ladder.
In a game where the lead changed several times and greatest margin of the night was just 12 points, the Hawks needed their big guns to stand up.
Speaking after the 12.7 (79) to 11.10 (76) win, Clarkson acknowledged the contribution of several of the club's more experienced stars but reserved special praise for his key leaders.
“[It was] just great leadership from some of our guys, particularly (Luke) Hodge and (Sam) Mitchell,” the coach said.
“They were outstanding for the bulk of the night, but particularly late when the game had to be won - they were sensational for us.
“It was just a genuinely great contest from two sides who were really willing and hard at it and we were just really fortunate in the way the game unfolded; the lead changed a lot and we were just fortunate that at the end we were in front at the right time.”
Both Hodge and Mitchell were prolific, each collecting 28 possessions and combining for 15 tackles.
However, both also booted a goal in the final term to help get their side home in what was a memorable night for the brown and gold faithful.
Hawthorn had won six in a row heading into the match but, before Friday night’s clash, was yet to beat a side considered a legitimate contender in this year’s premiership race.
Clarkson said he hadn’t played up that fact to his men but he did seem satisfied with the scalp.
“We hadn’t beaten a top four or five side and it’s not like the Dogs have just popped up there in the last little while either; they’ve been a good side for a long period of time,” he said.
“They had nearly their best side on the park and they picked a side with the inclusion of some of their guys who are really tough, hard rugged players and we knew it was going to be that type of game tonight.”
Bulldog Brian Lake’s battle with Hawthorn superstar Lance Franklin was a highlight of the night. Franklin finished with three crucial goals while Lake took 18 marks and repelled many Hawthorn attacks.
Clarkson had praise for both men.
“He [Lake] reads the ball off the boot of the opposition so well, better than any in the competition in my view,” he said.
“He was a really good player for them but Franklin still made a pretty serviceable contribution for us too, so it was an intriguing contest. It was a great contest, and I’m sure that duel’s going to go on for many a year.”
