Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson suspects Lance Franklin may miss Friday night’s AFL blockbuster, but knows better than to doubt the superstar’s recuperative powers.

Franklin must overcome a knee injury to take on his former club on Friday night, when Sydney host the Hawks at ANZ Stadium.

The Swans’ $10 million man will need to train on Wednesday to show coach John Longmire he is fit enough to take part in one of the season’s most anticipated matches.

“I probably think he’s more doubtful than likely to play this week,” Clarkson told Channel Seven’s Talking Footy.

“I’m not sure how severe the injury is and what his preparation has been like.

“We’ll have to wait and see on Thursday night (when the teams are named).”

Clarkson reiterated earlier comments that Franklin was now simply an opponent, albeit a very talented one.

But when pressed on what his former charge’s mindset would be this week and how hard he’d be working to be fit, Clarkson was more effusive.

“He’s a very, very proud man,” he said, recalling a semi-final against Sydney in 2011 where Franklin played despite hurting his knee the week prior.

“Nobody really gave him much chance of playing, including us at the club.

“We thought it was near impossible that he was going to get himself up. But he played, kicked four goals and was an influential player.

“He’s been able to play with injuries on a regular basis and cope with it really well.”