Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson says his club will benefit in the AFL finals from becoming less dependent on superstar Lance Franklin this season.

Franklin, who missed six games through injury late in the year, finished the home and away season with 59 goals, his lowest tally since 2006.

But eight Hawks have kicked 20 or more goals this year and Clarkson said Franklin's injury break contributed to the attack becoming more multi-faceted and harder to shut down.

"What's been pleasing over the course of the year and particularly in the six weeks that he was out of the side, is that we were able to still kick enough goals to kick a winning score in the bulk of those games," Clarkson told reporters on Monday.

"To have that spread of goal kickers is really important for us.

"If Buddy can come in and continue to play his role - he's kicked four goals in both of the last two games and we've had a good spread of goal kickers in both of those games too - all we really want him to do is play his role.

"I know that everyone else in the football world wants to see the extraordinary exploits of talent and exquisite class (of Franklin) but all we're searching for is him to come in and play his role."

Clarkson said while dazzling individual performances helped win home and away games, winning finals required hard work from every player.

Recruit Jack Gunston is one who has benefited, with 33 goals from 16 games this season.

Cyril Rioli, who has 35 goals for the year, tuned up for Friday night's qualifying final against Collingwood by returning from injury as the substitute against West Coast last Friday night.

While Gunston sustained a minor ankle injury against the Eagles, Clarkson said he was in no doubt for the Magpies clash.

The top-placed Hawks have beaten Collingwood twice this season, most recently by 47 points in round 17, but Clarkson tipped a tough battle on Friday night.

"It's probably better than having lost to them the last couple of times," he said.

"But we know Collingwood at their best are an extremely formidable opponent and we'll prepare for them at their best."