Happy Hawks No More | Thebigtip

 This season has been a farce.  Hawthorn has been, quite simply, terrible.  The Hawks have suffered from a split personality disorder since their Premiership triumph.  One week they dazzle, the next they drizzle.  The list is there, the talent unquestionable.  Arguments need to be raised of the personnel higher up the chain.

Coaches get a very good run in the AFL.  Most will get at least two years immunity before the president turns the pressure dial up a notch.  This is unheard of in other sports.  Rightly or wrongly, coaches need to instigate instant signs of improvement, or they are in trouble.  It is not that the AFL should start this culture, but for the last two years, Alistair Clarkson has been coaching two teams, Great Hawthorn and Pathetic Hawthorn.  One of these teams is keeping him in a job.  Why?

Coaches get an even better run in the AFL when they have won a Premiership.  This is the sole reason why Alistair Clarkson is still in a job.  Would he be employed if the Hawks had lost to Geelong back in 2008?  Highly unlikely.  The Hawks overachieved in 2008, and many expected them to keep improving, developing and become stronger.  They haven’t.  Teams like St.Kilda and Collingwood have overtaken the Hawks in the last two years.  How has this happened?  Hawthorn was meant to be the heir apparent to Geelong?

Hawthorn has a great list, but they need a new voice.  Clarkson’s leadership is not bringing in consistent results.  When the Hawks are good, they are great.  Then next week comes along, as does an inferior version of Hawthorn.  It is time to tighten the bolts, and get a new man at the helm.  Sure Alistair Clarkson won Hawthorn a flag, but how many Premierships is he costing the team from Glenferrie?  How much leniency does one Premiership give him?

Hawthorn should have been challenging for the Premiership last season and again this year.  They were not even close.  There is no doubt Alistair Clarkson has been an outstanding coach for Hawthorn.  He built a champion list, and clinched the ultimate prize.  Nothing lasts forever though, and the time has come Jeff Kennett to show some constructive leadership himself, and thrust a new voice upon the Brown and Gold troops.  A new direction is needed to re-focus, and reload for another shot at Premiership glory.

Who would you like to see take the reins?  Leigh Matthews?  Mick Malthouse?  Mark Williams?  Or would you like to see Alistair Clarkson remain?  Comment below to have your say!

One thing is for sure, the Hawks in 2011 will need to improve dramatically if they are to be in with a chance.

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