Taylor Duryea is happy to embrace the substitute’s vest if it is thrown his way on Saturday.

In fact Duryea will gleefully accept any sort of task coach Alastair Clarkson has in mind for the AFL grand final, provided Hawthorn get over the line.

Duryea hasn’t been the Hawks’ substitute since round 15, but a bit-part role holds plenty of appeal for a 23-year-old in his first grand final – especially one who was named an emergency this time last year.

This season Duryea played 22 AFL matches, but still doubt crept into the back of his mind this week given Cyril Rioli’s expected recall.

“It was a bit of a nerve-racking wait. I thought I’d done enough in the previous two games,” Duryea told AAP during Friday’s grand final parade.

“You hope you’re good enough to be in the side, but then you think there’s guys who are equally deserving.

“There was certainly doubt going into Thursday’s training and final meeting, but thankfully I’m in.”

Duryea had his first taste of AFL finals this month, playing in contrasting wins over Geelong and Port Adelaide.

“All the senior guys’ advice has been really helpful to settle the nerves,” Duryea said.

“They all basically said `play on instinct and back yourself in. You’ll do well’.”

If Rioli is included in Hawthorn’s starting side, Duryea looms as a likely substitute.

Duryea said Clarkson had yet to show his sub hand, but that he’d be happy either way.

“No matter whether I start or how many minutes I play, as long as I’m part of it and we can get a win that’s all I’m after,” he said.

“I feel like I can make an impact at whatever point the game is at, if I happen to be the sub.

“I’ve played as the sub a few times in my career, so if that happens to be my position I’m ready for it.”

AFL PREMIERSHIP SUB CLUB:

* Geelong’s Mitch Duncan in 2011

* Sydney’s Luke Parker in 2012

* Hawthorn’s Jonathan Simpkin in 2013.