HAWTHORN is rallying behind triple-premiership wingman Isaac Smith after he was subjected to a barrage of abuse on social media in the wake of the narrow loss to Geelong on Saturday.

With just seven seconds left on the clock at the MCG, Smith marked the ball inside 50, choosing to play on instead of taking a set shot at goal.

The Hawthorn vice-captain kicked a behind, allowing the Cats to hang on and record a three-point victory.

The missed kick prompted an avalanche of criticism and abuse on Twitter aimed at Smith.



Match preview: Fremantle v Hawthorn

Hawthorn forward Luke Breust said the club was disappointed to see fans turn on one of their own.

"It's unfortunate and we as a football club certainly don't stand for anything like that," Breust told reporters on Tuesday.

"They're keyboard warriors that get stuck into players when incidents happen in games, so as a football club and myself personally, I don't think that should happen.

"We will continue to respect supporters’ opinions, but at the same time [Smith] needs to put that at the back of his mind and not worry about it at all.

"He's fine. He trained today and if you knew Isaac personally he's a pretty upbeat kind of guy."

It's not the first time Smith has had an opportunity to win the game off his own boot.

During last year's qualifying final against the Cats, Smith missed a set shot after the siren.

Breust said the players did not hold Smith responsible for either loss.

"We certainly support him," he said.

"There's so many things that happen in a game of football and unfortunately for him he was the one that had the final kick. He had the opportunity to win the game for us, but not actually lose it for us.

"I'd back him in on the run every time and he'll continue to do that."

The Hawks sit 6-9 plus a draw and are three wins out of the top eight.

Mathematically, they are still a chance to make finals, however their slim hopes rest on Saturday night's clash against Fremantle at Domain Stadium.

It will be Alastair Clarkson's 300th game as coach, breaking club legend John Kennedy's record of 299 matches at the helm.