The Saints were able to open up in the first quarter and were on top, with seven scoring shots to three, and looking good when they moved the ball quickly from defence into leading forwards Josh Campbell and James Morris.

But in the middle they were up against a Hawks midfield feeding off dominant ruckman Nick Hull. And they weren't given an inch to try to play their natural game.

"Their pressure was up a lot more than last time we played them," Hamblin said.

"I thought our pressure was similar. Our effort and intent was there - our pressure acts were up, which is a major focus for us.

"But at the end of the day, they beat us at the clearances by 12 and obviously Ladhams won a few one-on-one contests which helped them get over the line.

"Our forward line operated pretty well in the first half when we did find space but in the second half they sort of smothered us and I think we tried to be a little bit too pretty with the ball."

The minor premiers are almost certain to be without Corey Watt in next Saturday's preliminary final after he went off with a hamstring injury early in the second quarter. He wasted no time heading to the bench and the immediate outlook appeared grim.

It was a setback the minor premiers didn't need but Hamblin is backing his players to overcome their disappointment and be back at Robertson Oval for another two Saturdays.

"You don't finish on top for no reason. We get a double chance and we've got to use it. We won't take any time dwelling on it or go into a corner, we'll regroup straight away," Hamblin said.

"We talked a lot about composure before the game but our composure was probably wasn't there.

"We pride ourselves on being the most skilful team in the league and today we didn't show that but the effort was definitely there."

Campbell (1.2) was closed down from the second quarter on along with Morris and Troy Curtis well held. Small forward Josh Thompson (2.2) was their most dangerous option forward in the second half.

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