Hawthorn Coach Sam Mitchell has highlighted the importance of high standards in order to build a winning culture ahead of his side’s clash with West Coast at University of Tasmania Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Despite a disappointing result against Melbourne last round, Mitchell was pleased with the team’s third quarter performance following previous struggles in that term this season.

Looking ahead to Sunday’s clash, the Hawks coach was positive about his team's ability to build on that performance.

“What we’re trying to do is build a premiership team and that’s not built off losing games of footy,” he said.

“I think you need spirit, you need a higher level of competitiveness and you need players that are desperate to win at every opportunity and are going to try and play in a way that you know is going to be sustainable, and we’re building towards that.

“This week is another step in that direction and we hope that we can make real progress.”

Despite the Eagles’ long injury list, Mitchell highlighted that they’re still a dangerous side when they get going.

“They’re still going to have 23 players going out there,” he said.

“We can’t underestimate West Coast in the slightest.

“I think the way they play around the contest is really strong.

“They’re not able to sustain it long enough but other teams will be saying exactly the same thing and they’ll be saying the same thing about us.”

Hear more from Mitchell's press conference below.