Bolton, originally from Pipers River, is standing in as Alastair Clarkson battles Guillain-Barre syndrome, and led the reigning premier in its gritty seven-point win over Greater Western Sydney at the MCG on Sunday. 

Hawthorn chief executive Stuart Fox said yesterday that the club did not know the length of Clarkson's recovery.

``Alastair certainly won't be at work for the next four weeks,'' Fox said. 

``That could be a bit longer - we just don't know yet.''

Clarkson was released from hospital on Saturday morning.

In the build-up to the Hawks' clash with West Coast at Launceston's Aurora Stadium on Saturday, Sewell told The Examiner that Bolton had excellent one-on-one relationships with players.

``It's been a seamless transition for us and the passion and enthusiasm he brings to the game is just fantastic,'' Sewell said.

``He's got a very good understanding for the game and his energy is second-to-none.

``He'll be a senior coach of his own club one day, I have no doubt. 

``When the opportunity comes he'll be a very good senior coach and we certainly saw that last week against the Giants.''

Bolton, 35, who usually looks after Hawthorn's forward-line, is the club's longest serving assistant, having been there for six years.

The qualified teacher also coached North Hobart and Clarence and was the interim coach of the Tassie Devils in the VFL.

Saturday will be the second time he has coached the Hawks in his home state, having overseen the 65-point NAB Challenge win over North Melbourne in February.

Yesterday's update on Clarkson's condition also confirmed that Bolton will also be in charge when the Hawks host Gold Coast in Launceston on June 28.

The second-placed Hawks have a host of injuries, with key players Josh Gibson, Brian Lake, Sam Mitchell and Cyril Rioli ruled out. 

Jordan Lewis and Ben Stratton were late exclusions last week, while ruckman Ben McEvoy is battling a corked hamstring.