Lance Franklin ready to explode: Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson

LANCE Franklin's form slump could end in a hurry with the Hawthorn star capable of tearing a game apart, according to Alastair Clarkson.

Lance Franklin

LANCE Franklin's form slump could end in a hurry with the Hawthorn star forward capable of tearing a game apart, according to his coach Alastair Clarkson.

Clarkson defended Franklin today, saying the talented left-footer had struggled with his goalkicking - kicking 21.36 so far this season - but was still having a big impact.

"He's going through a stretch at the moment that's a little bit rough for him in terms of his goalkicking conversion," Clarkson said at Melbourne Airport before the Hawks flew to Launceston.

"But ... he's the No.1 scoring-assist player in the competition.

"He's still actually playing some pretty good footy and if he converted those chances a little bit better, many would be arguing he's having perhaps his best season of AFL footy.

"I still feel like it's only a quarter away or a game away from him just tearing a game apart.

"I'm sure it's going to turn around for him fairly quickly."

Hawthorn (5-4) hosts North Melbourne (4-5) in Launceston tomorrow as Clarkson hopes his side can shake off its poor display last week when the Hawks suffered a shock loss to Richmond.

"The Tigers were pretty good. We were dreadful," Clarkson said.

"We didn't under-estimate them by any stretch. We knew their capabilities.

"Unfortunately, the best six players on the ground were Richmond players and they were all in their midfield.

"We just had a dreadful day. We have to move on.

"Hopefully we can acquit ourselves a little bit better both inside and outside the contest.

"The pride of the players and being disappointed with their performance will hopefully mean they'll put a better foot forward tomorrow against the Kangas."

HAWTHORN'S ruck stocks face further depletion following an elbow injury to Broc McCauley in a practice match for Box Hill today.

The 25-year-old has played two matches for Hawthorn this year, after crossing from the Brisbane Lions.

North are still missing ruckman Hamish McIntosh, who broke down in round seven and is set to be out for at least another month with knee problems.

Hawthorn have added first-year player Bradley Hill for dumped defender Stephen Gilham.

Clarkson noted the Hawks had lost the tag as premiership favourites.

"We've been it several times this year already and we haven't been able to live up to that billing and nor do we deserve to either," he said, adding the Hawks were confident they could stand up to any opposition when the team's attitude is right.

Saturday's game is also a battle between the two clubs' marketing departments.

North have signed a three-year deal to play two matches per season in Hobart, while the Hawks have been playing four games each year in Launceston since 2006.