Two down but Hawks defence will hold

Jon Pierik Josh Gibson says Hawthorn still has the right balance to be stingy in defence.

Hawks survive fixture from hell

Jon Pierik Ability to negotiate opening seven rounds against fellow finalists from last year ensures Hawks are equal flag favourites with Geelong.

Forward thinking is paying off for Hawks

Jon Pierik Hawthorn's forward line passes another major examination in cruising past Sydney.

Lake on call to bolster Hawks

Jon Pierik Injury to Ryan Schoenmakers may mean he needs a knee reconstruction.

Hawks unveil latest defensive weapon

Jon Pierik Brian Lake was recruited in a bid to improve a defence that struggled to contain power forwards.

Hawks hang tough but Rioli injured

Jon Pierik Brilliant small forward hurt in bruising three-point win against North Melbourne.

AFL

Clarkson should leave, says Kennett

Jon Pierik Former Hawthorn president says Hawks coach should leave or be sacked at the end of the year.

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AFL

AFL concerns about demoralised Demons

Jon Pierik It's not only members and supporters of Melbourne who are worried about their team.

No more delays, Hodge back for Hawks

Jon Pierik Skipper ''raring to go'' ahead of his return against the West Coast Eagles.

AFL coaches: the class of 2013

Compiled by Rohan Connolly and Jon Pierik Rohan Connolly and Jon Pierik take a look at the men guiding the 18 teams in the AFL fray.

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Ling urges patience on rotation caps

Jon Pierik Former Cat says any cap must be enforced for up to a decade to ensure everyone can adjust.

AFL

Franklin admits putting off deal will distract Hawks

Jon Pierik Lance Franklin says Hawthorn is 'shocked' that he has put contract renegotiations on hold and admits the uncertainty over his future is going to be a distraction for the club.

Football

Contract talk will be distraction: Franklin

Jon Pierik Lance Franklin's manager says scenario is different to Gary Ablett jnr's move to the Suns.

AFL

'Buddy' to stay, says Roughead

Jon Pierik Jarryd Roughead confident the champion forward will remain at Hawthorn.

Osborne hopes to rekindle old form with Hawks

Jon Pierik Veteran Hawk Michael Osborne is adamant he still has plenty to offer and hopes to be fully fit by the start of the season.

Crawford talks up Clarkson

Jon Pierik Shane Crawford says Alastair Clarkson will deserve to be considered in the same class as legendary coach John Kennedy if the Hawks can win a second premiership under his stewardship

Clarkson reaching Kennedy's status: Crawford

Jon Pierik HAWTHORN great Shane Crawford says Alastair Clarkson will deserve to be mentioned in the same class as legendary coach John Kennedy if the Hawks can secure a second premiership under his stewardship.

Football

All the right moves

Jon Pierik As Hawthorn's resident DJ, Ben Stratton has helped change the Hawks' tune on and off the field this season.

Hawthorn hints at game plan surprise for Pies

Jon Pierik and Matt Murnane Hawks ruckman David Hale says team confident it has the game plan to again dislodge Pies.

Hale learns to adapt

Jon Pierik AS A high school teacher in the making, David Hale will no doubt espouse the benefits of learning to his pupils when his days at Hawthorn are over.