Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson has apologised to two Port Melbourne players he reportedly abused during a VFL game on the weekend.

Clarkson called Toby Pinwill and John Baird on Monday, after Hawthorn received a letter from the VFL asking him to explain his behaviour at the quarter-time huddle of Port Melbourne's game against Hawthorn affiliate Box Hill.

Alastair Clarkson. Credit:Ken Irwin

Pinwell had been reported following a clash with Box Hill player Sam Iles.

The club released a statement saying that it had replied to AFL Victoria's letter on Clarkson's behalf, ''taking responsibility for the incident and expressing his regret''.