HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson's infamous bad temper flared yet again when he called a reporter a "cockhead" today.

Speaking at a press conference at Melbourne Airport today ahead of today's game against winless Greater Western Sydney in Launceston, Clarkson bristled over questioning about an expected massive win by the Hawks.

He said Hawthorn would treat the Giants the same as their previous opponents.

"You're asking some foolish questions and I don't even want to respond to it," he told a reporter at Melbourne Airport.

After the press conference, Clarkson told AFL Media's Matt Thompson "You're a cockhead" which was picked up by microphones.

A Hawthorn official also confirmed the comment.

Clarkson has a long list of losing his temper with journalists.

He also famously punched a hole in the MCG coaches box wall last year in a game against Collingwood and the next day told a 19-year-old umpire's adviser to f--- off when acting as a runner for his son's under-nine team.

media_camera A furious Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson puts his fist through the wall of the MCG coaches box.

Hawthorn president Andrew Newbold tried to downplay the latest incident.

"I haven't heard it myself and I haven't had a chance to speak to Alastair but as I understand it it was pretty innocuous, disappointing, but pretty innocuous," Newbold said.

Asked if Clarkson should apologise for the outburst, Newbold said:

"He's 44 years of age, he can decide that himself.

"My understanding was it wasn't an outburst, it was an off-the-cuff remark.

"I think it is disappointing but to be honest in the context of what we are here to do tomorrow, I don't see it as being a big issue."

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GWS coach Kevin Sheedy was on hand when Newbold was being asked about Clarkson's spray, and could not help joining in.

"He's just a grumpy little coach," Sheedy said.

"He's really taken over from Micky Malthouse. We've got two grumpy coaches now."