Five years and a premiership later, Clarkson has proven to all that he is an outstanding coach.
While other sides had only flirted with zoning in the past, Clarkson had the courage to implement a full-time, 18-man zone: 'Clarko's cluster'.
It not only changed the way the game was played, it rewarded him with the 2008 flag. It also demonstrated both his ability to look at all aspects of the game and his faith in his players to execute a game plan that requires everyone to work in unison.
Despite Clarko's success with his cluster in 2008, many experienced football analysts went on the record saying that it would not hold up under the pressure of finals footy. I'm convinced that the main reason Hawthorn won a flag against the odds was that their coach could execute a game plan that put his team ahead of the curve.
Finishing a disappointing ninth the following year and seventh in 2010, the Hawthorn coach was under some pressure coming into the final year of his contract. Yet once again he has shown a fantastic ability to adjust to the strengths and weaknesses of his side.
Whether it be through planning and design, or by simply adapting to a crippling injury list, Clarko's new short-kicking, uncontested-mark style of play has given opposition sides something new to think about.
His strategy will face the ultimate test when the Hawks take on the best pressure side in the competition in reigning premiers Collingwood on Sunday. Kicking through the Pies' press and maintaining possession along the boundary line gave Geelong victory over Collingwood in round eight and may give the Hawks a chance despite at least eight of their best 22 players being unavailable.
Injuries to Ben Stratton, Stephen Gillham and Ryan Shoenmakers this year have left Hawthorn's defence looking exposed and vulnerable. A direct benefit of Hawthorn's playing style at the moment is that by maintaining possession of the ball, they allow their opponents less opportunity to launch inside 50s and pressure their defence.
The low-risk hit-up kick to a lead also allows their back six to keep its structure and prevents exposing them to a dangerous turnover by avoiding the risky option of going down the corridor.
This style also suits their gun forward, Buddy Franklin. He is much more comfortable burning his opponent on a long, hard lead than standing and taking pack marks.
More than any other side, Hawthorn have placed a high value on recruiting players with good kicks, and with an unusually high number of left footers, they seem well-equipped to play the way Clarko wants them to.
What impressed me most about Hawthorn's win last week was when, at quarter time, Essendon decided to play in front in order to stem the flow of uncontested marks - which counted 50 to 15 at one point - the Hawks simply adjusted and, through Luke Hodge, Matt Suckling, Sam Mitchell and co., began to hit targets out the back instead.
Clarkson's football history has always had a fiery, combative edge to it; less recognised is the genuine empathy and care he shows towards his players on and off the field. He is definitely hard but he is also fair and has created a playing group who want to play for their coach.
When the best teams in the competition bring in new players, they know exactly what their role is in the side. To the massive credit of Clarko and his coaching staff, last week's team that beat Essendon by 10 goals had eight players who had played fewer than 20 games.
Very few people are bold and creative enough to challenge what everyone else is doing and try something different. Well done to Clarko for seeking out a way to put his team ahead of the curve. An horrific injury list might stop him from pinching another premiership this year, but let's hope that Jeff Kennett rewards him with a big contract extension as his parting gesture at Hawthorn this year.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs
