Hawks start as underdogs, says Smith

HAWTHORN is gunning for a historic third straight premiership but theclub is still claiming underdog status ahead of Friday night'spreliminary final against Fremantle.

The Hawks will return to Domain Stadium, the scene of theirqualifying final defeat at the hands of West Coast two weeks ago, whichwinger Isaac Smith labelled "a bad day at the office".

While he says his side will go into the match confident of a betterperformance this time, Smith feels the minor premiers deserve to go inas favourites on their home turf.

"Fremantle are going to be tough opposition, they finished on top fora reason, they're a good side and we're definitely the underdogs goinginto the game on their home ground," Smith said on Monday.

"They're the No.1 side in the competition, so we're going to need to bring the heat to beat them."

Bookmakers have taken a different view, however, installing AlastairClarkson's side as warm favourites to advance to the grand final.

The Hawks crushed Adelaide by 74 points to set up the clash and theydid it without leading goalkicker Jack Gunston, who is still nursing anankle injury.

Gunston will likely travel with the team to Perth and will be givenevery chance to prove his fitness but Smith is confident they have theweapons to again cover his absence if necessary.

"The other night proved that we can kick goals without him," he said.

"I think we've kicked a few goals this year ... we've got a few avenues to goal.

"If Jack plays it's a bonus but if he doesn't then you've got someone like Ryan Schoenmakers who plays and plays well."

Overcoming the Dockers' notoriously stingy defence will be one of thekeys to the game but Smith, clearly a keen golfer, said that wasn't theonly dangerous club in their bag.

"I guess that's their one-wood but they can score quickly as well," he said.

"That's their one-wood, to try and clamp you down and be reallydefensive and play like that, but if we play our offence (well)hopefully we can beat them."