Hawthorn star forward Lance Franklin has been ruled out of playing in Saturday's AFL match against Brisbane in Launceston.

Franklin sprained an ankle at training on Tuesday and while he was selected on Thursday night, the Hawks on Friday decided not to risk further damage.

"We won't play Buddy this week, he rolled his ankle on Tuesday and he's close, we saw him this morning at the club and we just don't think it's worth the risk," Clarkson said.

"We don't say that in a manner that we disrespect Brisbane as an opponent, that's certainly not the case.

"We just think at this stage of the year it's more important that we get him fully right and he'll hopefully be right for St Kilda next week."

Franklin's omission could mean a reprieve for respected midfielder Brad Sewell, who was surprisingly left out of the Hawks' 22, but made Friday's flight to Launceston.

But Clarkson said Sewell was no certainty to come into the final side, with the other two emergencies, Jordan Lisle and Shane Savage, also making the trip.

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