The AFL have issued Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson with a "please explain" after his thinly-veiled criticism of field umpire Justin Schmitt.

Clarkson has until the end of this week to convince the league he does not deserve a fine of around $5000.

Speaking after Friday night's loss to Geelong, Clarkson said: "He's a good player that No.17, wasn't he? He's a ripper."

The only No.17 on the field was Schmitt.

Hawthorn were 4-10 down in free kicks during the first term of the match and the final count was 28-24 Geelong's way.

The league have confirmed their football department wrote to Clarkson late on Monday, asking him to explain the comment.

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