Both trained on Wednesday and look set to be named to face Hawthorn at ANZ Stadium in Buddy's first game against his former side.
While Clarkson said there was no doubt the pairing would be formidable at some point, he wondered if it would happen straight away.
"The intriguing part about it is we don't know and neither does Sydney," Clarkson said as the Hawks departed Melbourne.
"They've never played together before, so that could mean what we get tomorrow night is something that's unbelievable or it could be that they really battle with it.
"That's probably going to be the intriguing part of the contest if they do play.
"They've recruited those two big guys for a reason and it's because in their view they're going to be significant contributors for the club.
"It's going to be ground breaking in a sense no matter which way it goes. We're hoping it will unfold in favour of Hawthorn."
The Hawks travelled with a squad of 25 with Derek Wanganeen, Kyle Cheney, Jonathan Simpkin and Jon Ceglar among those on the plane.
Ben Stratton boarded the flight, suggesting he will return after being a late withdrawal with a corked hip last week.
Clarkson said the Hawks were preparing for the two forwards to play and would also consider what the Swans' line up looked like without them.
But he said they wouldn't need to spend much time on the dual premiership former Hawk.
"We've got to prepare for their side having a forward structure like they did last week against Brisbane, and preparing as well if Buddy and Kurt come into the side – and Roberts-Thomson comes in for Pyke," he said.
"We're about as well informed as you guys, to be fair.
"In preparation for Bud, we know him pretty well. We know what his strengths and weaknesses are in his game.
"We don't have to do an enormous amount of preparation in regards to Buddy."
Twitter: @AFL_JenPhelan
Clarkson said the Hawks were preparing for the two forwards to play and would also consider what the Swans' line up looked like without them.
But he said they wouldn't need to spend much time on the dual premiership former Hawk.
"We've got to prepare for their side having a forward structure like they did last week against Brisbane, and preparing as well if Buddy and Kurt come into the side – and Roberts-Thomson comes in for Pyke," he said.
"We're about as well informed as you guys, to be fair.
"In preparation for Bud, we know him pretty well. We know what his strengths and weaknesses are in his game.
"We don't have to do an enormous amount of preparation in regards to Buddy."
Clarkson said it was likely Ryan Schoenmakers would have to play in defence with Brian Lake sidelined with a calf injury, and he backed the side to cover the loss of Sam Mitchell to an eight-week hamstring injury.
He also said while he hadn't addressed the Buddy factor with his players, he believed they had talked about it among themselves.
"I think 'Hodgey' and Jordan [Lewis] and a few of the other boys have spoken about it throughout the course of this week," he said.
"It's the case with all players when they switch clubs – they wear a different set of colours, on the field you're fierce competitors and off the field, you're still pretty good mates.
"He made an enormous contribution to our club and we'll attack the contest as if he's just one of 22 opponents tomorrow night, and then shake hands and maybe say g'day to him post-game."
Twitter: @AFL_JenPhelan
