The Hawks’ hopes of finishing with the double chance took a big hit on Saturday afternoon when they lost to Port Adelaide by eight points at AAMI Stadium.
Speaking after the match, Clarkson acknowledged that the loss didn’t help his side’s premiership chances.
“Today was a hiccup, but really our focus is on winning from week to week,” he said.
“The top four will look after itself and we need to win as many games as we can to get there.”
“We’ll just try to go as deep into September as we can.”
The Hawks looked the classier of the two sides, but they struggled in defence, allowing Port Adelaide to take 20 marks inside its attacking fifty.
Clarkson gave credit to the Power forwards and conceded that his side was beaten badly in defence.
“When they went forward, they were able to take a lot of marks inside 50. There was a Hawthorn player at the contest but we just couldn’t get a spoil on the ball,” he said.
“If you take 20 marks inside your forward 50, then you’re going to kick a winning score.”
A former assistant coach at Port Adelaide, Clarkson said the Power looked a changed side under the guidance of Matthew Primus.
“They’re playing with the spirit that he [Matthew Primus] played his footy,” Clarkson said.
“They were outstanding against the Crows last week and they were outstanding against us today.”
“They have some very talented players like Boak, Rodan, Gray, and they were able to use those guys today effectively.”
