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HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson faces what he admits to be a unique dilemma as the Hawks race their way towards the finals.

With a successful return to AFL action, Max Bailey has created a selection problem for the Hawks, with Clarkson admitting he is unlikely to play Bailey in the same team as David Hale and Jarryd Roughead.

Bailey played his first game of 2012 after a wrist injury when he was called in to replace Hale against Essendon on Friday night.

Bailey combined beautifully in the ruck and up forward with Jarryd Roughead, who was also in sparkling form.

"It's been one of the few times in my time at Hawthorn that we've had three genuine options in the ruck," Clarkson said.

"We'll just play it as we see fit, depending on opposition and depending on the availability of those three."

But he said it was "unlikely" that all three would play together, particularly once Coleman Medal leader Lance Franklin comes back from his hamstring strain.

"He'll be available next week, Hale, so we'll work out where we go with all three next week, which is probably unlikely," Clarkson said.

Asked if he was willing to experiment with playing all three, Clarkson replied "probably not".

"If 'Bud' (Franklin) returns as well, we'd be bringing in some dinosaurs if we bring in two guys that are around 200cm," Clarkson said.

Speaking on SEN on Saturday, Hawthorn assistant coach Adam Simpson said the choice between Bailey and Hale was a difficult one.

"Who's my favourite child, that's what you're asking," Simpson said when asked who he felt was Hawthorn's best ruckman, before adding Hale deserved his place in the team.

"It's a really good problem to have because a couple of years ago we didn't have any rucks to choose from with our injuries.

"We're going to have some good discussions in match committee over the next few weeks."