HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson launched a scathing attack on AFL great and ex-teammate Wayne Carey after his side ended its winless drought in emphatic style on Sunday night.
Clarkson and the Hawks wore constant and increasing criticism in the first month of the season as they slumped to 0-4, just two years after winning a three-peat of flags.
The coach had already taken aim at two News Corp journalists in his media conference on Saturday and added Carey to his scalps following the 50-point demolition of West Coast.
Clarkson's furious reaction centered on Carey's assertion on radio on Saturday that Cyril Rioli was homesick and wanted to return to the Northern Territory.
"Cyril's going back to the Tiwi (Islands), isn't he? I heard Wayne Carey make that great announcement that we've coerced him into a five-year extension," Clarkson said.
"Do you reckon you'd be able to coerce someone into a five-year extension if you wanted to go back to the Tiwi? God, what a load of rubbish.
"Once again, no account by a bloke who should know better than throw up bulls--t about our players.
"(You have to) hold some of these people to account, because the hysteria it creates is just absolute rubbish, particularly Carey of all people.
"(Carey) shouldn't make too many comments about stories about other players, because we could just go to town on him."
WATCH: Alastair Clarkson's full post-match media conference
There were promising signs for Hawthorn in the form of several of its previously out-of-sorts premiership stars, as well as the emerging crop of talent.
The Hawks entered the contest ranked last this season in inside-50s, goals and contested possessions, but won each category against the Eagles.
"We aim every week to try and win contested ball, we try to win clearances, we try to kick more goals than the opposition – sometimes it just doesn't work," Clarkson said.
"I wish it was as simple as just being able to motivate your players with a couple of fancy words and that sort of stuff.
"The most significant part about today's game was we had 22 contributors … that's been the hallmark of Hawthorn sides in the last 10 years.
"Unfortunately in the first four weeks of the season that consistency of application by all our players just wasn't there."
Young key forward Tim O'Brien, in just his 20th game, was one of four Hawks, along with captain Jarryd Roughead (who brought up his 500th career goal), Luke Breust and Jack Gunston to kick three majors.
O'Brien, 23, took some strong marks and also supported a resurgent Ben McEvoy in the ruck in a breakout performance at AFL level.
"He's got a great jump (and) is a beautiful kick for goal," Clarkson said of O'Brien.
"He's played 18, 19, perhaps, 20 games of footy and we've had a pretty formidable forward half the last few years … he's just had to battle away and wait for his opportunities to come.
"We're bringing some of these lads into our side – some of them have been around a little while – and hopefully they're going to get their opportunity and make the most of them."
