Former Essendon captain Tim Watson has declared Hawthorn a top-four side, after their thrilling one-point victory over Geelong on Easter Monday.
The Hawks are one of four teams to start the season undefeated, and they outplayed the talent-laden Cats for majority of the contest yesterday, recording 19 more inside 50’s and generating 33 scoring shots to 27.
After missing the finals for the first time since 2009 last year, Watson believes coach Alastair Clarkson has developed one of the league’s best game plans, despite a change in personnel.
“They’ve reconditioned, reenergised and retooled,” he told SEN Breakfast.
“They got in some new parts, they may not be as good as the parts that they previously had, but they are a top four side, Hawthorn.
“After two rounds, I’m saying they’re a top four side.
“It (their forward line) hums. They defend probably better than any side that I’ve seen over the first two weeks and then when they go on the attack, they find ways of attacking quicker than any other side in the competition.
“He (Clarkson) is an absolute genius.”
Melbourne team of the century member Garry Lyon echoed Watson’s thoughts, saying the display against Geelong was indicative of the “old” Hawthorn, which dominated teams through precise field kicking and a strong defensive zone.
The Hawks will look to continue their perfect start to 2018 on Sunday against reigning premiers Richmond.