HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson has poured cold water on media speculation suggesting he will join West Coast after Saturday's Grand Final.

Clarkson has a year remaining on his contract and is taking the Hawks into its third Grand Final in his nine years as coach.

He responded to the Tuesday night claim by veteran journalist Mike Sheahan in a short statement posted on hawthornfc.com.au.

"Those who know me well would understand that my values would never have me walk away from a commitment to our club," Clarkson said.

"My family and I have had a great journey with this club and we are optimistic that the coming years are going to be an exciting time for Hawthorn Football Club." 

Speaking at the Hawks' Grand Final lunch in Melbourneon Wednesday, club president Andrew Newbold said there was no doubt in his mindthat Clarkson would serve out his contract. 

"If you understand the nature of the bloke, and Ithink it's evident in the statement he's put out, that's the end of thematter. 

"In terms of my Richter Scale, it wasn't evenshowing up – it wasn't an issue for me."

Sheahan told Fox Footy's On The Couch, "My view about West Coast is that their next coach will come out of the grand final.

"Don’t assume that it will be Peter Sumich.

"Whatever the result on the weekend ... West Coast will make an offer to Alastair Clarkson that he will take. 

"Right now my view is that Clarko will coach West Coast next year. If they lose, I think that both parties will be happy to part company.

"If they win he's delivered them two premierships, West Coast would come at him with a four- to five-year deal.

"I think he says 'I’ve paid my dues here I want to go there and have another long term deal'."

Clarkson has coached the club in 212 games, while the Eagles are searching for a coach to replace long-serving premiership mentor John Worsfold, who resigned at the end of 2013 after 12 seasons and 281 games at the helm.  

Hawthorn plays Fremantle in the Grand Final on Saturday after finishing on top of the ladder for the second successive season.