CLUBS face a big challenge to retain star players with the imminent introduction of the new franchises, says Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson.

Clarkson was thrilled his champion forward Buddy Franklin declared himself a one-club player when asked earlier this week if he could be tempted to join Gold Coast, but forecast tough times for list managers.

"It'll be up to all clubs to really control their players really well and manage them in the right way," Clarkson said as his side prepared to fly to Sydney to face the Swans at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.

"I think he (Franklin) is right, we have a good group of players at our football club who are 20 to 25 years of age and have a period in front of them.

"You would hope they would stay together and you could have a period of success and really enjoy the opportunities that come their way."

The Hawks made four changes to the side that lost to Geelong in last Friday's blockbuster while rookie Garry Moss also travelled to Sydney as an emergency.

Out of the side go Simon Taylor (suspended), Michael Osborne (hamstring), Matthew Suckling (corked thigh) and Travis Tuck (shoulder).

But they get back premiership players Robert Campbell and Xavier Ellis as well as Josh Kennedy and Jarryd Morton.

Defender Stephen Gilham has recovered from the knee injury that forced him out of round one but will miss Saturday’s game with illness.

“We are not having a real good [injury] run at the minute but we’ll once again put a side out on the park that is competitive,” Clarkson said.

“We did that last week against Geelong. We didn’t get the points but we showed that we can compete with the better sides in the competition even when we haven’t got our full list available.”

The Hawks’ Friday afternoon flight was delayed after an electrical storm hit Melbourne. However, the club was able to reschedule a planned familiarisation session at ANZ Stadium for later on Friday evening.

“You’ve got to play at these new stadiums for the first time at some point in time, we don’t know what disadvantage it is. It has got four goal posts at either end and it is played on grass,” Clarkson said.

“So that’s pretty consistent with all ovals that you play at across the competition. We look forward to the opportunity to play there.”