HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson says speculation that he could sign a new contract with the Hawks in the coming days is off the mark.

The 2008 premiership coach says both he and the club remain on the same path they agreed to a year ago, which is to finalise his re-appointment at the end of this season.

But despite talk of a big-money offer to cross to Adelaide, Clarkson is in no doubt he'll remain at Waverley Park, where he believes he has unfinished business.

"We'll probably leave it for another four to six weeks," Clarkson said from Waverley on Friday.

"It's been that time-frame all along and that'll continue on.

"All this stuff being bandied around in the papers, it's flattering that you're considered in that regard, but we set in train a process 12 months ago in terms of my re-appointment, but seven years ago in terms of what we want to achieve as a footy club, and we're nowhere near where we want to be, so I'd be hopeful that things will work out pretty soon.

"All I'm seeking is a victory over Port Power tomorrow."

Saturday's contest against Port Adelaide appears a mismatch on paper, with Hawthorn in third place and full of confidence, and the Power languishing at the bottom of the ladder.

But Clarkson was mindful not to take Matthew Primus' team lightly, particularly given the past history between the sides.

The Hawks lost to Port at AAMI Stadium in round 18 last season, which halted their late charge towards the top four.

"[That loss] probably dusted off our chances of finishing top-four," Clarkson said.

"So irrespective of ladder positions, they've always caused us a little bit of trouble.

"I know that everyone is writing them off, but we've got a fair bit of regard for the way they go about it.

"With eight changes, they've brought a fair bit of experience back into their side, and we need to be very wary to be playing our best footy."

Mark Macgugan writes for hawthornfc.com.au and covers Hawks news for afl.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @mmacgugan