Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson doesn't expect the Hawks to be too focused on avenging their poor 2009 AFL season when they play Melbourne in Saturday's round one clash at the MCG.

The Hawks endured a disappointing season last year by missing the finals despite winning the 2008 premiership.

But Clarkson said those memories were likely to be a major motivator later in the year, rather than Saturday.

"For 16 sides (it's) just the excitement of finally being able to play a serious game of footy at this point of time," he said on Friday.

"I'd reckon trying to have some time of revenge for last year's performance might come later in the season if we participate in the finals and that sort of thing.

"But in the early part of the season it's just the excitement of playing games again."

Hawthorn will blood two new players, but half-forward Cyril Rioli and new recruit Shaun Burgoyne will both be missing.

Clarkson said Rioli was underdone after a groin problem, and that the Hawks were being cautious with former Port Adelaide star Burgoyne given his past knee and hamstring troubles.

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