So, naturally, spies are part of the equation.
Hawthorn has a reputation of wanting to shoot spies on sight out at the construction zone that is Waverley Park, but Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade says the club might be employing them anyway as part of its intelligence-gathering process.
"We'd probably get our things broken if we go out there, wouldn't we?" he asked with a wry grin. "It'd be a war if it happens, apparently, if you go out there.
"We might do something – we got in last time, so we might be able to get in this time.
"Apparently you can get in there with a builders' hat – I think it's the Village People isn't it? Be the tradesman."
Teams playing Hawthorn have been criticised in recent weeks for letting Luke Hodge run free across half-back because they've moved a player into the Hawks forward line to clog things up for the Hawks power forwards, but Eade wasn't giving anything away in relation to his game plan.
"Oh, I think he'll float around. I think he'll play different roles – he'll play midfield, no doubt, he'll roll back and be a spare, and he'll certainly play as a defender at some times as well."
But the spies clearly haven't been able to call back to HQ just yet, with Eade professing no knowledge of how tough Hawk defender-turned-forward Campbell Brown – who is struggling with a foot injury – was travelling.
"(I only know) what I've heard in the media, that there's obviously some doubt, but we'll certainly prepare for him and (Mark) Williams to play."
