He’s just another opponent, that No.23 for Sydney.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson has already made it clear that he will not contribute to this week’s potential hype surrounding Swans star Lance Franklin.

If he recovers from the knee injury that sidelined him this weekend, Franklin will play against his old team for the first time next Friday night at ANZ Stadium.

Minutes after the Hawks team had a record win over St Kilda on Saturday at the MCG, Clarkson played the deadest of bats to the Franklin topic.

“He’s another opponent,” Clarkson said with a disinterested shrug at his post-match media conference.

“We’re not even sure if Buddy will play.

“If he does, he’s just another guy we have to come up against.

“We know him pretty well.”

Clarkson said he was far more interested in taking on the Swans.

“They have 21 others we have to worry about – he’ll just be wearing a red and white jumper,” Clarkson said.

“They’ve started the season a little bit slower, but they’re starting to hit their straps a little bit now.

“It will be a great challenge for us and it will be on for young and old.”

Clarkson said first-gamer Billy Hartung had done well when he was subbed on because of Sam Mitchell’s injury.

“He’s in for a pretty rude shock next week though,” Clarkson said in reference to the Swans’ legendary pressure.

Mitchell (hamstring) and Brian Lake (calf) are set to miss the Swans game after they were injured against the Saints.