Lance Franklin’s form slump could end in a hurry with the Hawthorn star forward capable of tearing a game apart, according to his coach Alastair Clarkson.
Clarkson defended Franklin on Friday, saying the talented left-footer had struggled with his goalkicking with 21 goals and 36 behinds, but was still having a big impact.
“He’s going through a stretch at the moment that’s a little bit rough for him in terms of his goalkicking conversion,” Clarkson told reporters on Friday.
“But … he’s the number one scoring-assist player in the competition.
“He’s still actually playing some pretty good footy and if he converted those chances a little bit better, many would be arguing he’s having perhaps his best season of AFL footy.
“I still feel like it’s only a quarter away or a game away from him just tearing a game apart.
“I’m sure it’s going to turn around for him fairly quickly.”
Hawthorn (5-4) host North Melbourne (4-5) in Launceston on Saturday as Clarkson hopes his side can shake off their poor display last week as they suffered a shock loss to Richmond.
“The Tigers were pretty good. We were dreadful,” Clarkson said.
“We didn’t under-estimate them by any stretch. We knew their capabilities.
“Unfortunately the best six players on the ground were Richmond players and they were all in their midfield.
“We just had a dreadful day. We have to move on.
“Hopefully we can acquit ourselves a little bit better both inside and outside the contest.
“The pride of the players and being disappointed with their performance will hopefully mean they’ll put a better foot forward tomorrow against the Kangas.”