Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson says assistant Leon Cameron as a great acquisition for the AFL club.

Cameron is the early favourite to become the new Western Bulldogs senior coach, replacing the sacked Rodney Eade.

"Leon is a part of our football club. He is a highly regarded member of our coaching team and that sort of stuff will play itself out," Clarkson said on Thursday.

"We will support him in whatever he wants to do, next year and beyond.

"But in terms of the role he is to play for us, he will fulfil that really well."

The third-placed Hawks play fourth-ranked Carlton in a massive clash at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.

Cameron is a former star player and assistant coach for the Bulldogs who joined the Hawks' coaching staff this year.

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