Unsocialble Hawks Done?

[Hawka]

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/hawks-will-down-down-their-aggression-starting-with-coach-alastair-clarkson/story-e6frf9jf-1226001119131?from=igoogle+gadget+compact+bi_rss
Clarko has said that the hawks will back away from an  unsocicable style
stating he dosent want to be givin away lots of 50ms pentalys,free kicks and tribunal vists

wat do u all think ?

[hawk_88]

As much as a love a hard brand of footy, you have to be pragmatic. Many of the things we did as a result of the "unsociable culture" are much more closely and harshly policed than they were even a few years ago.

I also think that it has lead to some players being undisciplined at times.

Adding some speed to the team will also help in alleviating the reliance on physical pressure.

[Cruiseon]

Smells of a PR campaign to me.

[hawk_88]

I would say it almost does the opposite of that. Playing hard footy tends to please the fans - your average punter wants to see hard hitting blue collar players, not highly tactical "softer" footy.

To be fair Clarko has been talking about this for a while, case in point Simon Taylor. Clarko blames himself for Taylor's demise as he told him to "harden up" and take contests hard. Taylor starts going for the man, ignores the ball, and develops the reputation as a thug.

[Cruiseon]

Not PR for the fans, PR for the AFL & the umpires. " Focus on other teams thanks, we are a happy & fair team at Hawthorn". Possibly some PR for Clarkson to remodel himself as he pleads for a contract extension.

[hawk_88]

I don't think Hawthorn really needs to produce any sort of PR for the AFL. They have had no issue with constantly pissing them off in the last few years and have little to gain from them anyway.

The umpires.... well in chatting with an AFL Umpire I know they have meetings where they are shown "suspect" tactics from various clubs to watch out for. I somehow doubt an small article is going to change their mind - and even if it did, I'd say the actions on the field would have a far greater impact.

As for Clarkson pleading... well I don't think he needs to do that.

[Big Lance]

Not PR for the fans, PR for the AFL & the umpires. " Focus on other teams thanks, we are a happy & fair team at Hawthorn". Possibly some PR for Clarkson to remodel himself as he pleads for a contract extension.

That's what i saw and i think you're spot on. However Clarkson will get his contract renewal or not on the performance of the team. I wouldn't expect the Hawks to be any less committed to the contest, more a case of being smarter in marking/punching and tackling/bumping situations.

[hawk_88]

I think you'll see less tactics employed like cleaning up a player after they have disposed of the ball - something the Hawks have clearly been instructed to do in recent years.