Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell said Thursday night's loss proved his team was "not quite there" against the best sides, with the Hawks conceding a massive 21 inside 50s to four in the final term. 

Their tendency to concede runs of centre clearances in a row was a concern for the coach after they were beaten in the key indicator 6-0 in the final term.  

"We couldn't find any way to get any field position and just get the ball into our front half. So we got taught a bit of a lesson late," Mitchell said. 

"We've talked a lot this year about being ready to play and win against the best sides, and we proved tonight that we're not quite there. 

"We shot ourselves in the foot with the way we set the game up tonight, late in the game.

"We knew we were going to be up against it, and we were going to have to have to play 120 minutes. Unfortunately, 90 won't get it done against the Dockers, and we learned that lesson. Hit us right in the face to be fair."

Mitchell said the extent of a hamstring injury for Tom Barrass was not yet known, but the gun defender would undergo scans. Key forward Jack Gunston was able to return to the field after an ankle concern. 

Watch Mitchell's full post-game press conference below