TOM MURPHY had just left the training track on Thursday when he got the dreaded tap on the shoulder.

It was Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson, and the following conversation was one neither was keen on having.

Hawks captain Luke Hodge was back in the team, and Murphy would be the unlucky player to make way.

"I found out [Thursday] at about one o'clock; 'Clarko' grabbed me after training," Murphy said at the Grand Final parade on Friday.

"I got the old tap on the shoulder that everyone tries to avoid.

"He didn't really need to say much.

"It's just an awkward situation for both of us.

"At the end of the day, it's something you just need to get out of the way so we can concentrate on the game ahead."

As an emergency for the decider, Murphy will continue to prepare as if he is taking the field.

He joined the Hawks' team meetings on Friday morning, and took his place in the parade through the streets of Melbourne from midday.

He need only look back as far as last week's preliminary final, when he was a late inclusion for Hodge, to see that his chances of playing are not yet dashed.

"I had to do it last week … so it's the same again this week, I guess," the defender said.

"I'll just prepare as if I'm playing, and then once that siren goes, I'll know I'm not.

"It's pretty easy then to switch off.

"But for the next 24 hours I've just got to do everything as if I am going to be playing.

"There are 22 blokes who are going to go out there and give it their best shot.

"I won't be part of it, most likely, unless something unforeseen happens, but I'm pumped for the boys."