Rebounding half-back Drummond suffered a calf injury in the first quarter of Saturday night’s six-point loss against Carlton and did not return to the field.
The Lions are already without frontline defenders Daniel Merrett (ankle) and Joel Patfull (jaw) for the clash against Hawk spearheads Jarryd Roughhead and Lance Franklin.
Clark admitted Drummond was a loss against the Blues, but expected the patched-up backline to cover anything thrown their way for the coming round.
“You always want Drummo in your side,” he said.
“He’s a great kick, probably one of the best kicks going around a the moment so he provides a lot of that drive, but hopefully the boys like Ash McGrath or [Joel Macdonald] can pick up the slack in that sort of area if Drummo misses.
“They’ve (Hawthorn) got a couple of the best (forwards) going around, but so do we.”
Saturday night’s loss has left the Lions at 6-5 and back amongst the ruck of teams log-jammed behind unbeaten St Kilda and Geelong.
Clark said the Lions would have to stop their slow starts and passive play to beat the reigning premiers.
“Any loss at the moment brings you back to the pack. We’re going to have to be on our game to beat them and we’re going to have to address some issues,” he said.
Clark has been a revelation since going into the ruck, and was again strong against fellow young buck Matthew Kreuzer on Saturday night.
The Lions big man had a whopping 33 hit-outs to go with his 15 possessions and six marks.
“I’m just trying to provide a contest each week for my midfielders, so if I’m doing that then I know I’m contributing to the team,” he said.
“It’s enjoyable. I think that’ the way the modern day ruckman is gong to go. You have to be able to get involved in the play as well with your second efforts, your clearances and be used as a link player as well.
“Hopefully I’m doing that and can build that into my game in the second half of the year.”
