Hawthorn aren't happy with Carlton.

The Hawks are concerned that Andrew Russell has been trying to poach important staff, including an approach to four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson.

Russell left his post as Clarkson's fitness boss at Hawthorn to join Carlton in 2018.

Hawthorn believe his active role in the Blues' search is despite an agreement or understanding that Russell wouldn't seek out his former Hawks colleagues and encourage them to join Carlton.

The Blues officially appointed David Teague as their senior coach last week but there has been intense speculation that Carlton approached Clarkson as part of their coaching search.

7NEWS.com.au can reveal how.

Alastair Clarkson pictured with his former fitness boss Andrew Russell in 2014. Credit: Getty

Hawthorn believe Russell was part of the Blues' plan, leaving a voicemail on Clarkson's phone.

The Hawks coach reported the call back to his club.

Carlton were prepared to pay Clarkson up to $1.6 million per year, and it suggests the Blues' highly regarded fitness guru was key to their plot.

While Hawthorn sport psychologist Tarah Kavanagh will join Carlton, the Hawks appear confident no one else will leave as part of Russell's recruitment drive.

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Russell was an instrumental part of four flags at Hawthorn, and he's widely regarded as one of the most skilled fitness gurus in the AFL.

It should be stressed that Russell is just doing his job - AFL clubs are constantly looking to identify and recruit rival staff.

It's also common in business for incoming key executives to recruit their own people from former jobs.

Notwithstanding that, the Hawks aren't happy Russell is trying to actively poach former colleagues.

Tom Browne is an expert AFL contributor for 7NEWS.com.au. Follow him on Twitter here.