Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson prefers to focus on the end of Patrick Dangerfield’s debut AFL season at Geelong, rather than the start.

Geelong would love a repeat of Dangerfield’s Easter Monday brilliance from last year when they take on the Hawks at the MCG.

All the focus was on Dangerfield when he made his debut for the Cats in the round-one blockbuster just over a year ago and the star midfielder duly delivered.

The former Adelaide onballer produced a 43-possession masterclass and the Cats won by 30 points.

It was the start of a dream season for Dangerfield and he won his first Brownlow Medal.

But the season did not end well for the Cats – despite a whopping 39 disposals apiece from Dangerfield and captain Joel Selwood, Sydney easily won their preliminary final after a blistering start.

Clarkson points to that final as ample proof that Geelong are beatable, no matter how well Dangerfield and Selwood play.

“Once again, it’s a collective effort,” Clarkson said.

“If our collective of 22 can play just a little bit better than Geelong, then we’ll probably secure the win.

“They’re great players, but we have some really good players too.

“Dangerfield and Selwood – we’re never going to stop them getting the ball, but we can stop them having that type of influence.”

The difference between last year’s Easter Monday clash and this edition could not be more stark for the Hawks.

Last year it was round one and the Hawks were starting the season as three-time defending premiers.

This Easter they are on the bottom of the ladder with three losses.

They have not made a 0-4 start since 1998 – seven years before Clarkson took over as coach.

The Cats, by contrast, are unbeaten and will start strong favourites.

But regardless of what happens, Clarkson remains upbeat about Hawthorn’s prospects this season.

He noted they made the finals in 2010 despite a 1-6 start.

“As long as you just have belief and resolve that you’ll work your way out of it, then we’ll be fine,” Clarkson said.