Hawthorn’s most potent attacking mix and heralded recruit Jonathon Patton’s place in it remains up in the air for Alastair Clarkson as he ponders Sunday’s clash with North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.

Patton has kicked three goals in three games since crossing from GWS, has averaged just under seven disposals a match and took three marks in last week’s big win over Richmond.

But the former No.1 draft pick, who has undergone three knee reconstructions, also came to the Hawks having not played at senior level since round 15 of the 2018 season

“The thing we need to be mindful of with him is he’s played so little footy in the last two years,” Clarkson told reporters on Friday.

“Then the season he wants to come to a new club to restart his career it gets significantly interrupted with a pandemic.

“They’re very unusual circumstances for him … he’s played three games for (us) and he needs a period of time just to get himself accustomed to the rigours of the game again given so much has changed since he last played.

“We need to give him a bit of time and patience, have that empathy and understanding for where he’s at.

“He’s still well below what we think he’s capable of but he’s made a contribution and we’ll just work out what the balance of our side is.”

Patton was named on an extended bench for Sunday’s game, along with inclusions Paul Puopolo, Harry Jones, Harry Morrison and Mitchell Lewis.

Clarkson will take his side into the clash with a heavy heart following the death of club legend and friend John Kennedy Snr, who passed away on Thursday aged 91.

“It’s just trying to work out the superlatives to bets describe ‘Kanga’,” Clarkson said.

“But certainly the word that gets trotted out around here the most is ‘godfather’ because that’s what he’s been to our footy club.

“He’s had an impact right across the game, particularly at two clubs, but also in the industry.

“There are a lot of people who are very grateful for having had his influence.”