The Hawks four-time premiership coach was full of praise for the Crows after his team's three-point victory at the MCG on Friday night, saying they would be a club to watch in September.

Clarkson said Adelaide, like the Western Bulldogs, rebounded well from half-back, which gave them an edge.

Hawthorn could not expect to keep winning games when their opposition kicked 17 goals.

Utility Roughead is recovering from a knee injury and Clarkson said the team was feeling his absence.

"We know there are areas of our game we need to improve on, I think the big fella number two missing is hurting us a little bit in that regard," he said.

"That'll hopefully correct itself when he gets back, but in the meantime we've got to find other ways and tonight it was pleasing we got enough supply, we had about 60 inside-50s and gave our guys a chance to score."

But Clarkson also said Hawthorn had played better than in their close calls against the Bulldogs and St Kilda.

It was the first match this year where they had managed more than 100 points.

Paul Puopolo and Cyril Rioli will both feature in more than their fair share of the highlights reel and Clarkson praised his small forwards for their intensity and pressure.

Clarkson said Adelaide did not manage as many inside-50s as other top teams – Hawthorn got 60 to the Crows' 48 on Friday night – but they scored potently when they got there.

"It takes a different manner of playing against them, so we'll have to watch them closely, I reckon they're going to be a really good side and challenge significantly come the end of the year," he said.

Adelaide coach Don Pyke said he was proud of his players, who for long periods of time were able to control the game.

"You lose by under a goal, generally you've done a lot right, so for us it's important to reflect on what we did well tonight, but understand we've got to improve in certain areas," he said.

He said the team had shown they could compete at the highest level of the game, against a quality opposition team.

"Hopefully that gives our players a belief in the way we play and the way they play and what they may be capable of doing."