Hawthorn can't make the finals this season, but don't try to tell the Hawks they've got nothing to play for when they face the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

Friday night's clash will be premiership captain Luke Hodge's last match, with injured defender Josh Gibson also bringing his decorated career to a close.

Hawks vice-captain Isaac Smith says his side is desperate to send the pair out on a high and snuff out the Bulldogs' faint finals hopes with a win.

"If we beat the Bulldogs it stops them making the finals so we've got a lot to play for," he said.

"We've got Gibbo, who won't be playing, finishing up and Hodgey finishing up as well.

"He's been one of the greatest Hawks of all time ... it's pretty well-documented what he's achieved.

"Of course, we'd love to win and send him off in the right way.

"There should be a fair bit of emotion around the game, so hopefully it's a full house."

Read: Vickery suspended for VFL strike

The game will also have added meaning for Hawks veteran Shaun Burgoyne.

The 34-year-old will play his 341st match to pass Adelaide superstar Andrew McLeod and move into outright second behind Indigenous games record holder, Sydney dual-Brownlow medallist, Adam Goodes (372 games).

Burgoyne has expressed his desire to play on next year and indications are he will be offered a new deal by the club.

Smith, a three-time premiership player with the Hawks, won't play finals for the first time in his seven-year career.

"It's the first time I've had September off ... it's disappointing we haven't made the finals, but we feel like we're on the right track," he said.

"There are a lot of younger guys coming through and having an influence.

"If we can get a few blokes back from injury (next year) who knows what can happen?"