Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson admits he is feeling a bit battered and bruised after a tough week.

Clarkson came under plenty of media criticism for the verbal spray he gave an AFL reporter soon after last Saturday's loss to the Western Bulldogs in Launceston.

It has been a stressful week all round for the Hawks, who suffered their first loss of the season last Saturday and then had to defend star player Lance Franklin against allegations of misbehaviour at a Melbourne nightclub.

Clarkson said neither his problem nor the allegations against Franklin had distracted the team ahead of Saturday night's match against Essendon.

The Hawks have also defended Franklin strongly and Clarkson said the episode reinforced why he did not want to build up the profile of the young Hawks star.

Hawthorn will welcome back vice-captain Luke Hodge and key forward Tim Boyle for the Bombers game and they will start strong favourites.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP