Hawthorn Coach Alastair Clarkson says he feels very fortunate to have been at the club's helm for 17 seasons as he prepares for his final game with the brown and gold on Saturday.

Clarkson spoke to the media alongside Hawthorn champion Burgoyne on Friday, with the pair set to farewell the club following the contest against Richmond at the MCG.

Clarkson will lead the Hawks for the final time, while Burgoyne announced on Thursday that he would be retiring from the game after 21 seasons.

Footy Flashbacks: Clarko's final chance at piece of Hawks history

The four-time premiership coach said he felt fortunate to be part of the brown and gold.

"We've both given a hell of a lot to this footy club, but this footy club has given a hell of a lot to us too," Clarkson said.

"I’m really proud of seeing our players like Hodgey, Shaun, Rough - the list goes on - I’m so proud to see them become husbands and fathers having known them for the best part of their adult lives. That’s something I’m most proud of.

"I don’t what I’m going to miss, because I haven’t left yet. I think there will be some realities that hit me over the next month, six months and even years on.

"We’ll get a chance over the next period to catch up and properly reminisce but, until then, we have a game to focus on tomorrow."

It marks a full circle moment for the duo who first met in 2002 when Clarkson became assistant coach at Port Adelaide while Burgoyne was in his first year in the AFL.

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Burgoyne said he was able to forge an immediate strong relationship with Clarkson.

"Clarko was my forwards coach straight up and we were able to bond straight away," Burgoyne said.

"Since then our families have become close friends, so it’s a nice way to go out, with Clarko on the same day.

"Clarko has had to evolve with the times, obviously coming in as an assistant coach to having the head job initially.

"But then going forward, he was always willing to try and experiment, innovate the game plan and take risks.

"It's not strange to the players that we've had success, because he's always been at the forefront of change."

The Hawks will be eyeing their fourth win in a row after claiming victory in their last last three matches in what has been a strong finish to the season.

Hear more from Clarkson and Burgoyne at Friday's press conference.