SEN hosts Garry Lyon and Tim Watson have applauded the coaching performance of Hawthorn coach Alistair Clarkson this season.

Watson said Clarkson has been able to shift his game plan during the season as a result of injury.

"They have faced some challenges this year, then they got themselves back on track and James Sicily was a mainstay in defence," he toldย SEN Breakfast.

"They lose him and then he manipulates the situation. I think theyโ€™re playing probably a more defensive game than theyโ€™ve played in a long time.

"Because he says: 'ok, we have to do that now to win'. But itโ€™s his and his coaching staffโ€™s ability to be able to teach that to their players mid-season and to swing it all round again.

"I think itโ€™s one of the great coaching feats of the year. They find a way."

Melbourne champion Garry Lyon agreed, saying "he's the best coach of the last 50 years."

Clarkson appears to have his side bound for the top four again this season, the Hawks face St. Kilda on Saturday night.