Hawthorn says it is unconcerned about North Melbourne's claims they have worked out how to stop their gun AFL forward Lance `Buddy' Franklin.

The Kangaroos, relying on statistical data, believe they can predict which spot inside 50 metres Franklin marks and kicks most of his goals from.

Roos defensive coach Darren Crocker said he was confident his side would produce the strategy to moderate Franklin's influence when the two sides meet at Telstra Dome on Saturday.

But Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson said no amount of intricate planning could stop Franklin.

"We've got enormous faith in his ability to play and the role he takes in our side," Clarkson said.

"If he plays his role particularly well it gives us a great chance of winning the game."

Clarkson said he was not bothered by the Kangaroos' reliance on Champion Data "heat maps" which show where players play their "hottest" football and apparently reveal Franklin leads mainly into a right pocket area.

"All I can say is that he's been a pretty good performer for us over the duration and wherever he is leading and wherever he is getting his kicks he's doing all right for us," he said.

"We're pretty happy with wherever he gets his touches and I couldn't care if that's in one particular spot on the ground or not.

"The bottom line is he's made an enormous contribution for us over the course of the last couple of seasons."

North coach Dean Laidley was typically unforthcoming about the contribution the data made to the club's strategy, despite his football manager Donald McDonald's willingness to talk freely on the issue.

"Look mate, the reality is I'm not really going to talk about it, simple as that," Laidley said.

"If you want to find out about it, the information's there, you can have a look at it and, look, the emphasis is not on Buddy Franklin.

"The emphasis is on us to win the football, putting some pressure on and keeping the scoreboard ticking over as we did last week, and we do next week, we'll make sure we'll go out and play as a team."

"They're available from Champion Data. Anyone can go and get them, just got to pay your money.

"It tells you lots of stuff but if you want to know about them you can interpret them and pay your dues."

The Kangaroos ended Hawthorn's finals campaign last year with a win in their semi-final clash, when Franklin was held to three goals after seven the previous week, but Clarkson said that game was in the past and would not be a motivation on Saturday.

"I think that's long gone. We played pretty poorly in the final last year and we're certainly keen to play better," he said.

"It's another game of footy and another step in a long journey this season.

"We're only at round three so we know it's going to be a really tough contest - every game that's been played between the two clubs in the last little while has been really keenly contested."

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