HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson admits Grand Final opponent Geelong has the advantage of knowing what to expect in the hectic build-up to the big game, but has backed his players to handle the intense scrutiny that will come their way this week.

Clarkson had precious little time to appreciate his side's 54-point defeat of St Kilda before turning his attention to the daunting task of negotiating a hectic preparation and attempting to topple the reigning premier.

"Our club hasn't been in a Grand Final since 1991, so it's going to be a little bit foreign for all of us. I dare say the Cats will have the edge on us in that regard in knowing what to expect this week, but we're very comfortable with the way we go about things," Clarkson said.

"Our confidence going into the game will be sky-high on the back of two really good finals performances, but what we can bring, despite the fact that we haven't got the experience of knowing what Grand Final week is all about, is a tremendous enthusiasm and excitement because none of us have been in this position before.

"I'd imagine for most blokes it would be the most exciting week of their lives."

While willing to allow his charges to soak up the atmosphere to a certain extent, Clarkson will attempt to maintain a degree of normality this week. He doubted he would bother engaging in any psychological warfare as Power coach Mark Williams tried to do, without success, before last year's finale against the Cats.

"I don't think we'll be trying to use anything outside the fence to motivate or stimulate our group of players. It's a Grand Final, and we give ourselves every chance of playing well," he said.

"We'll prepare the routine way that we always do, albeit having to fulfill numerous other activities that are part of Grand Final week, and we'll go with the flow in that regard. It hasn't been part of my or the club's routine to ruffle too many feathers."

Mark Thompson's men might have the edge in the experience stakes, but Clarkson has an ace up his sleeve in the imposing form of 2004 Port Adelaide premiership player Stuart Dew, who was recruited for just such a situation.

"I know a lot of people were questioning what sort of impact he could have at our football club, but because I knew the lad, it wasn't just about what he could bring in terms of his talent to the football group," Clarkson explained.

"We weren't going to bring someone to the football club who couldn't add value on the ground, but he's of significant value to the coaches and his teammates in terms of what he can bring in terms of his experience and wisdom about finals football.

"He's just a really composed, understanding sort of bloke who has been of enormous benefit to our club.

"Because of his physical condition, we knew he was coming from a long way back, but we'd like him to be a three or four-year player at our footy club. We think that he's really only scratched the surface in terms of his on-field contribution this season, but his off-field contribution has been enormous.

"Hopefully that will have a significant influence throughout the course of this week and our preparation for this Grand Final."