THE debate among Hawthorn supporters in the lead-up to the clash with Port Adelaide, as played out on Twitter and various message boards, was how the game should unfold.

A win was a virtual certainty, so the discussion was split between a five-goal win and no injuries, or whether the Hawks should take the opportunity to inflict a Geelong-type beating on the hapless Power.

By inflicting pain and humiliation on Port, it was argued, Hawthorn would send a message to the Cats and Collingwood, that they might not have things their own way come the finals.

It would also remedy some past humiliations against the men from Alberton, particularly a Friday night game against the Power in 2005, when Port kicked 21 of the last 23 goals.

Those seeking a belting got their wish and witnessed a sublime performance from their team, a 165-point win over, the club's biggest in the AFL, eclipsing a 160-point thrashing of Essendon back in 1992.

Hawthorn fans would have enjoyed that more, because it was Essendon after all, but there was significant enjoyment to be had this time around as well. Eight goals to Lance Franklin and six goals to Cyril Rioli (a personal best) made for an entertaining afternoon at the footy.

From all reports, there was a greater sense of urgency around Waverley Park this week. It was reflected at the selection table, with Cam Bruce, Chance Bateman and Ryan Schoenmakers presented with the opportunity to press their claims for a place in Hawthorn’s best 22 for the finals.

Bateman kicked a goal during the final quarter and together with Bruce, was praised by the coach after the match.

It was also reflective in Clarkson's pre-game goals of tackling well and winning contested footy. The Hawks weren't sure what to expect from the Power, particularly after eight changes. Certainly some of the inclusions, such as David Rodan, Jay Schulz, Alipate Carlisle and Troy Chaplin, have enjoyed great games against Hawthorn in the past and was likely a factor in how Port coach Matthew Primus went about selecting his side.

So the aim of the contest for the Hawks was to win the clinches and see what unfolded from there. As it turned out, they won the contested possession count 147 to 125 and the tackles by 77 to 69.

Hence the satisfaction from Clarkson post-game. "Sometimes it's difficult when you get off to a good start to keep that ferocious attack on the ball and the opposition and for us to possess the ball as much as we did and still out-tackle the Port Adelaide side, tells us as a coaching staff that the players had the endeavour for the contest all day.

"We're not like Collingwood and Geelong who have been doing that for most of the season for us to have a convincing victory, but more importantly, be on top for four quarters and win every quarter, that was a goal going into the game."

With Port Adelaide in such poor touch, it was inevitable that if that if the Hawks got the key performance indicators right that they'd end up giving Port a fair old touch up, and so it proved to be.

The coach had few complaints, but also was quick to remind that the nine-goal win over Fremantle a fortnight ago and the grinding 17-point win over North Melbourne last week were equally worthy of merit... in his eyes.

"We had to really grind for our win last week and to be really challenged in the last two weeks in the wind and the rain - both interstate - and for the players to then work through that was beneficial to the side," he said.

Clarkson is not one for mind games, but given the increased likelihood of an opening qualifying final against Geelong, who have beaten the Hawks narrowly in six consecutive meetings, this backed up those who think that the remaining few weeks for Hawthorn should be all about systems, structures and team goals.

But for those who like a bit of showtime - and yes, there was plenty of it against Port - Clarkson acknowledged the importance of that as well. "You get great confidence as a side to win a game convincingly when you're on top, rather than drop off and allow them to kick easy goals when there's nothing really at stake, so that was pleasing too."

"As for which one's better," he said, "I'm not really sure." Which leaves plenty for Hawthorn fans to debate in the lead-up to Friday night's clash with Carlton.