ALASTAIR Clarkson says he's surprised, but knows that, really, he shouldn't be.

Clarkson was looking forward to Friday night's blockbuster clash with Geelong by looking back at last weekend's clash between the Cats and the Dogs.

"I was surprised – the Bulldogs have taken more marks inside-50 than nearly every team in the competition, probably bar Geelong," he said.

"Last week I think they only had four or five marks inside 50, and I would have thought the Bulldogs forward structure was going to be something that troubled Geelong.

"That's the strength of the Geelong defense – all manner of opponents, whatever style that they play, Geelong, on a consistent basis, has been able to overcome all different styles of opponents.

"So it's going to be a challenge – I wouldn't like to suggest that our forward-line's any better than any other in the competition.

"Our forwards will function well if we can move the ball well to them from the midfield. If we can get that type of opportunity to them, then I'm confident that our boys will do a good job down there."

The Magpies flogged the Cats in round nine this year, winning by 86 points, and Clarkson admitted he'd taken a look, but not a lot of information.

"A little bit, because they haven't been pulled apart very often, the Cats, over the last two years," ha said with a wry laugh. "But as I said, the most recent form is more the form-line that we look at.

"For instance, that particular night they had (Gary) Ablett and (Cameron) Ling and last week then didn't, and they were still able to get across the line against the Bulldogs."

And Clarkson admitted the game would be a huge benefit to the Hawks, irrespective of the result.

"It's a big opponent and we'll look forward to the opportunity, but whether we win or lose isn't the greatest priority for us.

"It's getting the exposure, trying to play our game, and measure ourselves against one of the best sides in the competition."