IT IS hard to find positives in a 64-point defeat but there was some good news for Hawthorn in Saturday night’s heavy loss to Collingwood and that was the successful return of premiership wingman Clinton Young.
 
Young returned to the field for the first time since round five last season after battling chronic hip and groin problems that threatened to derail his career.

It was a modest game by his standards [10 possessions], however, Young was just relieved to be playing again.

“Obviously I’m disappointed with the result but it’s great to be back out there,” he said.

“I would’ve liked to have played a little better but I got through the game well.

“There were a few nerves before the game, it’s been a while since I played in front of a big crowd and I’m still a bit behind on fitness but I’m catching up.

“It’s good to get the run and hopefully I’ll be better for it.”

Saturday night’s result is in stark contrast to the last time Young pulled on the boots against the Magpies, when in round seven 2008 he was among a Hawthorn side that romped to a 65-point win.

That result was during a streak of nine consecutive wins which eventually helped Hawthorn to the 2008 premiership.

“Last year was frustrating being on the sidelines and it was a disappointing season all round but we’ve moved on and hopefully we can get this season back on track,” Young said.

After four rounds, the Hawks have just one win and Young said next week’s game against the Kangaroos now took on extra importance.

“If you look at the win-loss ratio it’s not ideal where we are but we’ve played three pretty decent teams the last three weeks,” he said

“Now we just have to move on from that and make sure we can redeem ourselves next week.”