Alastair Clarkson has pulled the pin on his planned involvement in Friday night's state-of-origin bushfire relief match, opting instead to coach Hawthorn in their emergency services-themed practice match against St Kilda in Morwell.

Four-time premiership coach Clarkson was slated to be an assistant coach for Victoria, working on a coaching panel behind his close friend and dual Richmond premiership coach Damien Hardwick for Friday night's landmark game at Marvel Stadium.

Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson will miss Friday night's state-of-origin bushfire relief match. Credit:AAP

However since the origin match between Victoria and the All-Stars match was announced, the Hawks have organised a scratch match against the Saints in Gippsland on Friday afternoon, which will also raise funds for the bushfire effort.

Hawthorn confirmed to The Age on Monday that Clarkson decided he'd be better served joining the Hawks for their match against St Kilda, which comes eight days after Hawthorn lost to the Saints in the Marsh pre-season series opener at Moorabbin.