Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson has backed his proud team to come out firing when they face the Western Bulldogs in Friday night’s semifinal.

The Hawks are in a similar position to last year when they lost their first final but responded strongly to advance to the grand final.

Young forward Ryan Burton didn’t take part in a 45-minute training session on Thursday morning and is considered doubtful to recover from a calf injury in time to play.