Hawthorn legends David Parkin and Jason Dunstall yesterday rallied around coach Alastair Clarkson in the wake of savage criticism over his treatment of young defender Zac Dawson during the loss to Collingwood.
 
As the football world debated whether 20-year-old Dawson would recover from his battering at the hands of Anthony Rocca, Parkin, who acts as a mentor to young players at the club, said Clarkson should be re-appointed when his contract expired at the end of this year.

Parkin said his backing for Clarkson, who has a 23 per cent winning record, was the result of listening closely to the views of young players at the club.

"He's got a major trump in terms of the support of the playing group," Parkin said.

"They are convinced the disciplines, the game plan and the process are what they need. There's no doubt they are committed and loyal to him."

Dunstall re-iterated the club's stance that Clarkson's contract would be reviewed mid-season.

However, he said he wholeheartedly endorsed everything the coach had done since being appointed at the end of the 2004 season.

"I think he has done very well thus far," Dunstall said.

Dunstall was adamant Clarkson had not erred by keeping Dawson on Rocca for the critical stages of the match, which the Hawks lost by 35 points.

Rocca, heavier by 18kg, kicked seven of his eight goals on Dawson (88kg).

"I've spoken to Zac and he's fine," Dunstall said. "He understands there are times, no matter who you are, when you are going to get towelled up. It won't destroy him.

"His body language was good even when things were going badly."

Clarkson's decision to prolong Dawson's suffering has initiated the first strong criticism of his coaching methods.

Former coaches Robert Walls and Tony Shaw led a blistering attack on him during the 3AW radio commentary on Sunday.

Shaw said the coach was "killing the kid's confidence", while Walls commented, "They are sacrificing the kid.

"I reckon the coaching staff cruelled their team," Walls said.

"They (Hawthorn) deserve to lose because their coach didn't give them a chance to win."

Hawthorn captain Richie Vandenberg defended Dawson and the coach yesterday, saying Dawson's teammates had "hung him out to dry" by failing to offer greater support.

Dunstall said calls for Clarkson's head were reflective of the emotion that accompanied roller-coaster performances.

"After week one (when Hawthorn beat Fremantle), I was approached by people saying, 'Why hasn't the coach been re-signed?' After week two and a bad loss, they are asking, 'Does he know what he's doing?' That's how fickle the game is."

According to Dunstall, the league's most inexperienced coach will not be affected by the criticism.

"He'll hear it and it might be a little bit of baggage he carries outside the club, but he'll cope very well with that," Dunstall said.

"It won't affect the workings of the group.

"Clarko is very well aware he's going to cop flak at different stages. You have to have conviction in your own beliefs and strategies and you have to stick by them."

Parkin said Clarkson's strong self-belief would prove to be one of his best assets.

"The coach is pretty confident about where he sits and what he needs to do," Parkin said. "I heard a presentation he made recently about the club's future. It was very impressive. He's got a fantastic plan and he'll stick with it."