Alastair Clarkson has more pressing problems than either Jeff Kennett, or the curious affliction known as the Kennett curse. Hawthorn's failure to beat Geelong, despite a five-goal lead, continued a distinct pattern from last year's preliminary and grand finals.

Clarkson need not be concerned about the past president running off at the mouth. More troubling is that the opposition is running away from his strong-bodied and brave but slowish midfielders.

Man in front: Travis Varcoe outmanoeuvres Shaun Burgoyne on Monday. Credit:Sebastian Costanzo

Dermott Brereton is among the observers who noted after the latest conquest by the Cats that Hawthorn's midfield strength - the ability of its midfield maulers to win the crucial clearances with their body strength and smarts - is also a weakness, since these players and, indeed most Hawks, struggle to contain opposition counter-attacks.

''None of them have foot speed,'' Brereton said of Sam Mitchell, Brad Sewell, Shaun Burgoyne, Jordan Lewis and the absent Luke Hodge.