Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson has warned that Adelaide are likely to be a serious finals contender this season.

The Hawks meet the Crows at the MCG on Sunday in their third tough game in succession, following a win over Collingwood and a narrow loss to Geelong last week.

The Crows are undefeated so far and are primed to test their tough pre-season and modified game plan against the 2008 premiers.

“We’ve had two really challenging games against two sides that we know are serious flag contenders and everything we’ve seen about Adelaide thus far is that they are progressing well to be a finals aspirant as well,” Clarkson said.

“Who knows how far they can go, so we need to be paying a fair amount of respect to the Adelaide side because they are one of the form sides of the competition.”

In particular, he said the match would provide a stiff test for the Hawthorn defence with Adelaide spearheads Kurt Tippett, Taylor Walker and Jason Porplyzia in bright form.

“And they’ve got the guys like Jared Petrenko and Ian Callinen and those types who are crumbing at their feet too so they’re an imposing threat down forward,” Clarkson said.

Hawthorn received a boost this week when in-form utility Brendan Whitecross successfully appealed a one-match suspension for rough conduct against Geelong captain Joel Selwood last Monday.

Clarkson hailed the decision as a win for common sense.

“Just the speed of the game, things happen so quickly nowadays,” he said.

“I think in the immediate aftermath of that incident there was no serious intent on Whitecross’ behalf.

“I think it was good for the game that some of those accidents in footy are deemed that, as an accident, and we get on with the game.”

Meanwhile, Hawks skipper Luke Hodge, who has not yet played this season, is set to return to the line-up after struggling with a calf injury.

“Hodgey’s trained really well and we think he’ll probably be available for the West Coast game next round,” Clarkson said.