The hard-running midfielder is every opposition team's dilemma who Clarkson says demands constant attention.
"You've certainly got to put some time into him because he's just so damaging with the footy," Clarkson said on Saturday.
"At different stages you've got to keep a close check on him.
"Whether that's with your whole side keeping an eye on him or whether it's just a direct tag, we'll do both throughout the course of the game.
"He's been a superb player for a long period and you've just got to limit the amount of opportunities he can get the ball, particularly in the forward half of the ground."
While the ladder-leading Hawks are preparing for a Suns side with gathering momentum, they will be happy to escape the ruck dominance of Zac Smith, whose season is over after he suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his knee last week.
"They've got a very, very good midfield and we're perhaps fortunate that Smith's missing from the side this week because he's been outstanding in the ruck," Clarkson said.
"He'll be sorely missed for their side over the rest of the year. It's an unfortunate injury but their midfield is a key reason why they've been able to win four games."
In contrast, the Hawks have finally found a spot for Sam Grimley, who has spent several years on the side's list and makes his debut at the expense of injured forward David Hale.
"He's been on our list for three or four years now," Clarkson said.
"He's a tall (199cm) lad who has just taken some time to build up the necessary bulk to be able to play the game at the highest level.
"But he's had a really good summer and played a lot of our NAB Cup games then unfortunately couldn't push his way ahead of (Jarryd) Roughhead and Hale and (Lance) Franklin in one of those key forward spots.
"But Hale has a little bit of a dodgy ankle so he'll miss tomorrow's game and Sammy gets his chance in his spot."
Hawthorn was also able to welcome back defender Josh Gibson and winger Bradley Hill.
"They both missed with minor ailments last week and fortunately we were able to get some cover from the other guys," Clarkson said.
Clarkson said his side was aware that the Suns were playing confidently now after back-to-back wins for the first time, including defeating Melbourne by 60 points two weeks ago.
"They're a handy side," he said.
