Alastair Clarkson philosophical after Hawthorn’s heartbreaking loss to Geelong at the MCG

ALASTAIR Clarkson knew if the Hawks had to lose one, this was it, the master coach philosophical after a heart-breaking loss to Geelong at the MCG.

Isaac Smith missed a shot at goal to win the game for Hawthorn. Picture: Colleen Petch.

ALASTAIR Clarkson knew if the Hawks had to lose one, this was it.

But he’s not rattled.

Rather, he’s philosophical of the “silver lining” still in play despite the triple-premiership outfit now forced onto the hard road to Grand Final day.

Clarkson could only watch on after his team delivered “plenty of positives” before falling just two points short of Geelong last night and forcing themselves into a semi-final clash against the Western Bulldogs next week.

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“If you’re going to lose a final, this is the one to lose,” he said.

“All the rest of them don’t give you any second chance. We went down this path last year and we’ll have to go down the path again. We set ourselves for a big game against the Bulldogs next Friday night, I think it’ll be.

“(We’re) disappointed, but philosophical about it.”

A disappointed Jack Gunston, Jordan Lewis and Luke Hodge.

Clarkson knew the Hawks had had their chances, and said last night’s thriller could just have easily produced a different result with speedy winger Isaac Smith having a shot for goal after the siren.

This time last year, the Hawks went down to West Coast by 32 points, meaning they had to play every week of what eventually became a victorious finals series.

And the master coach said that while it is “too hard to say” how big a part last year’s showing will now play in this year’s campaign, just goes to show they are capable.

“It cuts a bit deep, but we’ve got to move on pretty quickly,” Clarkson said.

“At least we’ve got another chance and we get ourselves ready.

“Last year, we went across to the west and got annihilated by West Coast and we were able to bounce back strongly and we’re just going to have to do the same sort of thing.

Sam Mitchell goes toe-to-toe with Cats Joel and Scott Selwood. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

“We’ve only addressed the players in terms of (keeping) their chin up, and let’s go again.

“This has been a proud group that have committed themselves really well in finals and we just didn’t get the job done. We get a second chance and that’s the silver lining for us.”

Ryan Burton was spotted wearing a moonboot post-game after he copped a “savage corkie” to his calf in the second quarter, with Clarkson saying he will “have to see how that settles down throughout the week”.

James Sicily was a late withdrawal due to illness – replaced by Daniel Howe – though Clarkson said the bug should have him ready to go for next week.

Originally published as Alastair Clarkson philosophical after Hawthorn’s heartbreaking loss to Geelong at the MCG