There is much intrigue heading into a contest between two teams with a combined five wins this season. For the Hawks,a heavy defeat would raise questions about the character of this side,while theBlues and coach David Teague are under enormous pressure in a campaign that has fallen short of expectations.

Clarkson said injuries that have cruelled the seasons ofthree-time premiership star Jack Gunston (back),emerging midfielder Will Day (fractured ankle) and last year’s No. 6 overall draft pick defender Denver Grainger-Barras (knee) had hurt the Hawks in terms of their rebuild. Veteran Shaun Burgoyne (ankle) is also still on the sidelines.

“In terms of where we sit,it doesn’t surprise us but it doesn’t stagger us in where we knew we were as a footy club and what we have got to do,” Clarkson said.

“We are planning on it[rebuild] being quicker rather than longer. We just have to wait and see. Right at the minute,it’s looks like it is a little bit slower and we are treading water but we know where we are going and we just have to keep trying to find the personnel to get us there and also the method.”

Clarkson said the Hawks would participate in next month’s mid-season draft and “would inject at least one more player into our club”.

Jon Patton’s retirement has opened up a spot,and the Hawks could take a young ruckman,including Oakleigh Charger Ned Moyle or Xavier’s Max Heath.Tasmanian forward Jackson Callow and speedy Dandenong Stingray Will Bravo trained with the Hawks over summer and could also fill a role.