Cats’ midfielder James Kelly told News Limited there’s no need to insert bells and whistles when it comes to playing against a formidable side like the Hawks.

The two rivals have come head-to-head on so many occasions they know exactly what to expect. It won’t take a pact or bogus superstitions to win, it’s a lot less complex than that.

According to Kelly the Cats’ game plan needs to remain simple. There’s no hidden secret or method when it comes to playing against Hawthorn.

The Cats just need to play hard collaborative football their way.

"In big games like this, it becomes quite simple actually and tactics play less of a role than what they usually do," Kelly said.

"We know each other really well and you've just got to play hard and together to beat them.

"You just look at Hawthorn and you know how they play - we'll make little tinkers with our game style and adjust that accordingly, as will they.

"But we'll be going into the game thinking it's going to be a hard slog and really physical, so more than anything it's about winning the contests against your man around the ground and playing as a team."

There’s a number of Hawks the Cats will have to keep under surveillance, however, Kelly says the Hawks will have just as many Cats to be wary of on Saturday night. Including Tom Hawkins, James Podsiadly and new Cat Mark Blicavs.

Kelly admits the two teams play a similar standard of contested footy, which has created an intensity that resembles the energy of a grand final.

"We play similar game styles ... both very good on the attacking side of the ball, but Hawthorn cover their back 50 really well and we focus on defence also.”

"So those things are what makes good games and they've obviously got those brilliant players, as well.

"You've just got to look at the history and you know they're big games - Hawthorn gets up to play us and we're the same.

"Big games and finals are why we play this game, so we'll be looking forward to the challenge - they're a fantastic side and playing really well at the minute."

Kelly also concedes the pact was never a focus and was only relevant to those who played in the 2008 Grand Final.

Today the Cats main focus ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster is playing their best footy from the very first siren to the last against the top side in the AFL.   

"There's no pact. I think 'Chappy' (Paul Chapman) got a bit carried away with the pact in 2008.

"But that was probably valid in 2009, but it's a completely different group now than what it was in 2008.

"We just want to play our best footy against what is the best side in the comp."

"We've won the last few, but a lot of the games could have gone either way.

"We just know it's going to be a really hard contest and we'll have to be at our best."