Wet conditions for Saturday’s grand final would appear to suit the AFL’s best defensive side Fremantle in their clash with the high-scoring Hawks.

But Hawthorn assistant coach Brett Ratten says the minor premiers have no concerns about the forecast of possible hail for Saturday’s game at the MCG, despite two of their three defeats this season coming in wet or slippery conditions.

“Our form’s been good throughout the season, so it won’t change the way we want to play,” Ratten told reporters on Thursday as the Hawks trained in front of a crowd of more than 5,000 at a wet Waverley Park.

“We do have the ability to change the way we want to play within games. That’s a real strength of ours.

“We’ll just combat whatever conditions are thrown at us.

“We’ve played in wet, dry, windy, so it doesn’t matter.”

The Hawks finished on top of the ladder after the home-and-away season with an average points-for tally of 114.68, while third-placed Fremantle conceded a league-best average of 69 points per game.

Hawthorn have broken the 100-point barrier in both of their finals wins so far in September, but they’ll face Fremantle’s famed defensive juggernaut on Saturday.

Ratten’s fellow assistant coach Brendon Bolton says last year’s grand-final loss to Sydney will inspire the Hawks.

“The one thing I have noticed is there is just a little bit of a steely resolve and a look in the eye because, after last year, you know what a defeat looks like,” he said.

“I think we’re a lot better prepared this year.”

Speculation over senior coach Alastair Clarkson’s possible move to West Coast is having no impact on the Hawks’ preparations, Ratten says.

Clarkson has released a statement denying a TV report he’d be heading west in 2014 despite having one year left on his Hawthorn contract.

Hawthorn club president Andrew Newbold has also dismissed speculation over the 2008 premiership coach’s future.

Asked if the issue had been a talking point with the players and coaching staff, Ratten said: “Not at all.

“Al put the statement out yesterday and that’s gone now so we’re really concentrating on the grand final,” Ratten said.

“Al’s contracted (for 2014 at Hawthorn) and no one’s even spoken about it.”

Former Carlton coach Ratten says he’s been overwhelmed by the family-club atmosphere he’s experienced in his first season at Hawthorn.

“You talk about the family club and the way the organisation gets together,” Ratten said.

“It’s really evident when you get here.

“They’re so caring for each other. There’s a lot of empathy and they’re all driven to achieve the one thing.

“I’ve been very fortunate to come to Hawthorn and work with Alastair and also have a look at a great club.

“I’ve learnt lot this year in my development.”