PAUL Puopolo says it was important for Hawthorn to respond against North Melbourne after a disappointing loss the week before.

Returning from a hip injury which had kept him out for two weeks, Puopolo kicked two goals from 14 disposals and also laid seven tackles as the Hawks bounced back with a 39-point win over the Kangaroos.

“To come back after a disappointing loss against Melbourne last week and get a win is very important for us striving to win another flag,” Puopolo said.

“Every win is going to be crucial for us to get a top four spot.”

Hawthorn unveiled another first-game player against the Roos, with youngster Ryan Burton pulling on the brown and gold at AFL level for the first time.

Puopolo said the younger players starting to filter into the Hawthorn side bring a different feel to the playing group.

“Having the young guys come into the side they bring a different kind of energy – that excitement of playing and why you play footy,” he said.

“(Ryan Burton) had a great game today. He presented as a forward and did exactly what we wanted.

“He kicked one goal, set up a couple and had a couple more shots, so you couldn’t ask any more from a first gamer.”

The three-time premiership player has not played since Hawthorn’s Round 18 win over Richmond, but said getting through the game against the Kangaroos was an important step as the Hawks prepare for another finals campaign.

“(The hip) pulled up pretty well. This week was pretty important to see how it would get through the game, so to have this game under my belt now and get back into the routine (of playing) is pretty important,” Puopolo said.

Speaking to the media after the game, coach Alastair Clarkson said having Puopolo, as well as James Frawley and Liam Shiels, return from injury made the Hawks a more settled side.

“They (Puopolo, Shiels and Frawley) are pretty important players to us. We were just more stable across the ground with a really good balance of guys who can run and carry and use the ball really well and others who can put their head in the hole and win the ball for the side,” he said.

Hawthorn travels to Perth this week to take on the West Coast Eagles as they continue to defend their position on top of the ladder.