ALASTAIR Clarkson has hosed down any possibility of a move to Melbourne, saying he still has "unfinished business" at Hawthorn.

Clarkson will coach the Hawks for the 200th time against West Coast on Friday night, joining legends John Kennedy Snr and Allan Jeans as the only men to pass the milestone at the club.

Following Mark Neeld's sacking on Monday, it had been speculated the Demons could make a pitch for Clarkson, who is contracted with Hawthorn until the end of 2014.

But the premiership coach says he still has work to do at Waverley Park.

"I've got unfinished business here," Clarkson said on Thursday morning.

"I'm contracted here, and I love everything about my association with the Hawthorn Football Club.

"So I'll be continuing to stay involved here."

Clarkson is in his ninth season in charge of the Hawks, having overseen a rise from the depths of the competition when he was appointed at the end of 2004, to a ladder-leading powerhouse.

Under the former North Melbourne and Melbourne midfielder, Hawthorn has reached five finals series, including the 2008 Grand Final win.

Clarkson said he was yet to consider how much longer he would continue.

"If you spoke to 'Sheeds', he would say you could just keep going forever and a day," he said.

"It's hard to say. In our game, historically, one person staying at the one club a long time is not a common thing – it's more common in soccer.

"It's horses for courses.

"We've got unfinished business here, both from my point of view and the players', and as long as we've both got the passion to try and see that through, then we'll stay here as long as it takes."

Clarkson was greeted with best wishes by Kennedy Snr before the start of training.

The Hawks went through a brisk session in preparation for Friday night's clash, with wingman Isaac Smith a notable absentee.

Clarkson said he expected a strong contest from the Eagles who, at 6-5, will be fighting for a place in the top eight.

"We think they've got the talent to be a couple of wins above where they are," he said.

"They're a talented group of players…we're expecting it's going to be a pretty keen contest tomorrow night.

"They're probably going to push out their best side on paper for the year, so we need to be ready."