ALASTAIR Clarkson's former right-hand man Chris Fagan says when the Hawks get it right, the competition better watch out.

Clarkson's hunger, decision-making and future have been widely questioned this week following Hawthorn's 86-point loss to Geelong on Monday, plummeting the club to a 0-4 start.

But Brisbane Lions coach Fagan, who worked alongside Clarkson for nine years as head of coaching and football manager, said the backlash had been over the top.

"He's won four premierships in case everyone has forgotten," Fagan said.

"All teams go through patches. 

"I'm not at Hawthorn so I don't know what's going on, but I do know a lot about that club, and I do know they'll bounce (back) and when they do, everyone better watch out.

"I think it's just an over-reaction. 

"It's probably because it hasn't happened for such a long time, they're an easy target at the moment, but Clarko is a great coach and has a really good coaching team around him and I'm sure they're doing everything they can to reverse the trend at the moment."