Defence Tactics Help To Seal Deal

The Age

Wednesday May 14, 2008

Jake Niall

ALASTAIR Clarkson is over the hump. He did the early hack work with Hawthorn's list, grew with the team and earned the right to close the deal.

Clarkson's extension is no surprise - a 7-0 record makes for quick negotiations. The only issue was whether the Hawks would give him two more years, or the full parliamentary term of three years in which to bring home the bacon.

Clarkson was already virtually assured of coaching Hawthorn in 2009, regardless of this new contract. It is understood that his expiring contract contained "trigger" clauses which would guarantee a 12-month extension if the Hawks finished in the top four. No one would bet against a high finish now.

Clarkson has been through three distinct phases at Hawthorn. He was the infant coach of a team in diapers for 2005 and 2006. Last year, he showed he could develop a decent adolescent unit, as Hawthorn played finals and Buddy et al began to emerge as serious players.

Phase three is mature premiership contention, when the boys have hardened bodies and minds. In the course of this season, Clarkson has satisfied the club that he can deliver a flag, Hawthorn's window having opened at least 12 months ahead of its own projections (in 2008).

Convincing Jeff Kennett of roadworthiness on the road to a premiership was never a fait accompli. Jeff had great expectations for 2008 - he said a premiership was possible this year, effectively putting the acid on Clarkson and the football department. Some thought this typical Kennett excess, but he has been proven right.

The man most responsible for Clarkson's appointment, Jason Dunstall, had much more modest expectations, picking the Hawks to finish in the eight's lower reaches. Dunstall, it seems, was attempting to dampen dangerous hype.

The Hawks can not have been certain that Clarkson was a prospective premiership coach when they hired him with a rebuilding mandate at the end of 2004. Remember that it was often assumed that he was warming the seat for Leigh Matthews or another proven closer; Clarkson would do the groundwork, but someone else - someone sexier - would elope with his lovely list.

The demonstration of a novel defensive game plan - the blob of players clustered in the corridor that has unglued the opposition this year - hasn't hurt his stocks. This tactical advance showed that he that he could cut it on match day, and might have been a clincher - if one was needed - in the eyes of the Hawthorn board.

Meanwhile, four clubs punted on youthful rookie coaches for 2008. Dean Bailey, Matthew Knights, Brett Ratten and Mark Harvey. The present struggles of that quartet - only Ratten has made par so far - provides some perspective for Hawthorn.

Choosing an untried assistant as senior coach is always a dicey business; no matter how qualified or road-tested a candidate seems, you can't be sure of their capabilities until they're seated in the chair.

© 2008 The Age

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