Geelong defender Darren Milburn has flagged early fireworks in Saturday's AFL grand final, but not to the extent of the brutal felling of Hawthorn's Dermott Brereton in the 1989 decider between the two clubs.

Milburn said he expected a "fiery" beginning to the match, with both teams noted for their hardness around the contest and the Hawks boasting several players noted for their uncompromising tactics.

But Milburn, one of the Cats' toughest nuts, played down suggestions anyone from his club might attempt to emulate Geelong hardman Mark Yeates' infamous hit on Brereton at the centre bounce in 1989.

Brereton was left winded, concussed and vomiting, but returned to the play to kick a goal soon after as the Hawks went on to post a six-point win in a classic grand final.

"You can't read too much into what happened 20 years ago. It's different footy now to what it was then," Milburn said.

"I think it'll be a pretty fiery first five minutes but (after that) it'll be like normal.

"Pretty heated, but all fair I'd say.

"Our boys are good at winning contested ball, so that's all we'll be trying to do - hopefully win that."

Heading the list for any likely attention early in the game would be Hawthorn star Luke Hodge.

He appeared to injure his ribs and coughed up blood after a heavy collision with St Kilda's Justin Koschitzke in last weekend's preliminary final.

On Tuesday, Hodge declared he was not carrying any ill effects from the incident, but expected he would receive some attention from Cats players early on as they tested his suspect ribs.

Either Milburn or defender Max Rooke are likely to go to Hodge early - Milburn suggesting Rooke was first in line to get the job.

Milburn said he didn't expect either team to attempt anything different in terms of the physicality with which they approached the game.

"Every side wants to come out and play physical football and try to intimidate their opponents," he said.

"I don't think Hawthorn will be any different and I don't think we'll play any different to what we've been playing, so nothing will really change."

Milburn didn't play against Hawthorn the last time the two sides met in July - the Hawks losing by just 11 points.

Neither did midfield stars Gary Ablett and Cameron Ling.

And with the looming return of forward Paul Chapman from a hamstring injury, the Cats will be at full strength for just their second meeting with the Hawks this year.

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