Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson says his AFL team must ramp up their tackling to avoid scares like the one they received from Gold Coast at the MCG on Sunday.
The Hawks ran out unconvincing 26-point winners over the Suns – matched by the visitors for all but a six-goal third term burst which proved the match-winner.
Clarkson lamented his side’s lack of tackling vigour afterwards, which resulted in the Suns always being in the contest despite the Hawks dominating the inside-50s.
“We just didn’t play with the type of endeavour (required), we didn’t tackle or put pressure on the Gold Coast enough in the first half,” he said.
“We allowed them to control the ball far too easily and that resulted in a lot of easy goals for them.
“The third quarter we tackled. It was probably the only phase of the game when the game was played on our terms.”
The mixed signals Hawthorn sent in the 18.10 (118) to 14.8 (92) victory were best summed up by star forward Lance Franklin’s performance.
After a first half in which he continually fumbled, sprayed shots wide and was outplayed by Suns opponent Rory Thompson, he finished with five goals – four in the second half.
“Bud was real scratchy early – thank goodness he had a good second half,” Clarkson said.
“His first half was as scratchy as I’ve seen him for a long time – couldn’t take a mark, fumbled.
“But he’s such a good player. He’s so hard to keep down for a full game.
“Pleasingly for him and for us, he got going a bit in the second half.”
One of the Hawks’ bright spots was the excellent debut of ruckman Sam Grimley, who booted a goal with his first kick in AFL and shone in the ruck alongside Max Bailey.