Clarkson eyes off Dockers' AFL stars

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson says wants to recruit some of Fremantle's stars for this year's International Rules Test.

Alastair Clarkson.

Alastair Clarkson wants to recruit some of Fremantle's stars for the International Rules Test. (AAP)

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson wants Fremantle's stars to play for him - but he needs a little help from the All-Australian selection panel first.

Clarkson was left with plenty to ponder after watching his team stutter to a 19-point defeat to Fremantle in Perth on Sunday.

The result saw Hawthorn tumble to third on the table ahead of Saturday night's blockbuster against Geelong at the MCG.

Star Dockers quartet David Mundy, Michael Barlow, Stephen Hill and Nat Fyfe were crucial in Fremantle's win, putting Hawthorn's midfield to the sword after quarter time.

Clarkson was clearly impressed with their output, so much so that he wants to recruit a host of Fremantle's stars when he takes charge of Australia's side for the one-off International Rules Test against Ireland in Perth on November 22.

Only players who have earned All-Australian selection at some point in their career will be eligible for selection, and Clarkson hopes the All-Australian selection panel will do him some favours this year.

Fyfe should be a lock for All-Australian honours after producing a season that could see him top the Brownlow medal count.

Dockers goalsneak Hayden Ballantyne could also join him after kicking 42 goals from 17 games this season.

Barlow, Mundy and Hill are other Dockers players in the hunt to earn maiden All-Australian honours.

"Geez, they're good players and they've had good years," Clarkson said.

"I hope like buggery that Nat Fyfe makes All-Australian so that we can select him.

"And the little fella Ballantyne - hopefully he's available for international rules too.

"And Mundy and those types of guys are really good players, and will be really well suited to playing international rules, particularly in their home state and on their home deck."

Dockers coach Ross Lyon and Geelong mentor Chris Scott will assist Clarkson for the one-off Test.

Ireland won last year's two-Test series by a combined 101 points against an Australian line-up made up of the AFL's best indigenous stars.


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