Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson is blunt about the giant challenge that Fremantle ruckman Aaron Sandilands presents in the AFL grand final.

Asked what it had been like preparing for Sandilands and the Dockers midfield, Clarkson simply replied “hard work”.

After missing more than half the season because of injury, Fremantle’s 211cm ruck star has combined superbly with Zac Clarke in this finals series.

“I know what I’d prefer to have and that’s a ruckman who can get his hand on the footy,” Clarkson said.

“That’s what their two boys can do for the Freo side on a regular basis.

“You don’t go into grand finals thinking it’s going to be easy.

“Fremantle have some enormous strengths – that’s why they’ve got themselves through to a grand final.

“We have some enormous strengths, too.”

The Hawthorn ruck combination of Max Bailey, David Hale and sometimes Jarryd Roughead has become one of those strengths and they will take it up to Sandilands and Clarke.

“They’ll have strategies, they’ll prepare for Aaron,” Lyon said.

“We’re going to have to think on our feet, adapt and improvise and try to get hold of the ball first.

“Aaron is important, but it’s not about Aaron.”

Lyon added that Clarke is more than just a capable backup to Sandilands, a three-time All-Australian.

“He’s in really good form, but Aaron has been in this sort of form before and he’s been criticised for not capitalising,” the Dockers coach said.

“He’s one of many parts.

“He’s really significant, he’s been terrific, but Zac Clarke, he’s just as significant for us.

“We could easily start Zac Clarke in there.”

Lyon also acknowledged Hale’s ability to go forward and kick goals, adding to the potent Hawthorn attack.

“He’s been kicking three and four, Hale, and Bailey is really tall and a good ruckman,” Lyon said.

“We have a bit to worry about at our end.”