Paul Puopolo and Alastair Clarkson (Getty Images)
Former Essendon premiership player Tim Watson has pin-pointed Hawthorn as a top four team following their one-point win against Geelong at the MCG on Monday night.
The now-prominent media personality appeared on SEN Breakfast to proclaim Alastair Clarkson as an "absolute genius," as Hawthorn continue to storm into their 2018 season, remaining as only one of four teams still yet to be defeated.
“After two rounds, I’m saying they’re a top four side," Watson 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.
“He (Clarkson) is an absolute genius.”
Hawthorn stumbled through the first few weeks of the season last year, starting 0-4 and looking for answers, subsequently missing out on the finals.
Clarkson and the club found themselves in unfamiliar territory for the first time in years and Watson says he is impressed with the way the team has been able to turn the tide and make a push at the top of the standings once again.
“They’ve reconditioned, re-energised and retooled,” he told SEN Breakfast.
"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."
Hawthorn will hope to continue their fine form next week when they face the reigning premiers in Richmond on Sunday.