ALASTAIR Clarkson has questioned whether Sydney’s combination of Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett will make an immediate impact ahead of Friday night’s clash at ANZ Stadium.

Franklin and Tippett trained on Wednesday and look set to be named to face Hawthorn at ANZ Stadium in Buddy's first game against his former side.

While Clarkson said there was no doubt the pairing would be formidable at some point, he wondered whether that would happen straight away.

"The intriguing part about it is we don't know and neither does Sydney," Clarkson said as the Hawks departed Melbourne.

"They've never played together before, so that could mean what we get tomorrow night is something that's unbelievable or it could be that they really battle with it.

"That's probably going to be the intriguing part of the contest if they do play.

"They've recruited those two big guys for a reason and it's because in their view they're going to be significant contributors for the club.

"It's going to be ground breaking in a sense no matter which way it goes."

The Hawks travelled with a squad of 25 with Derek Wanganeen, Kyle Cheney, Jonathan Simpkin and Jon Ceglar among those on the plane.

Clarkson said the Hawks were preparing for the two forwards to play and would also consider what the Swans' line up looked like without them.

But he said they wouldn't need to spend much time on the dual premiership former Hawk. 

"We've got to prepare for their side having a forward structure like they did last week against Brisbane, and preparing as well if Buddy and Kurt come into the side – and Roberts-Thomson comes in for Pyke," he said.

"We're about as well informed as you guys, to be fair.

"In preparation for Bud, we know him pretty well. We know what his strengths and weaknesses are in his game.

"We don't have to do an enormous amount of preparation in regards to Buddy."