HAWTHORN midfielder Isaac Smith says the Hawks are well equipped to deal with this weekend’s bye before heading into a qualifying final against Geelong next Friday night.

Speaking to the media after training today, Smith said the fact Hawthorn had dealt with time off in finals over the last few years meant they knew what was required.

“We’ve been in the position over the last few years to understand what to do with a week off and what we need to do to get ourselves right,” Smith said.

“Some guys will be training hard; some guys will be fully in recovery mode – it’s purely individual-based.

“As a fan of the game I don’t really like (the bye before finals), I’d like the momentum to continue from the final round into the finals – but as a player it’s been nice to put the feet up for a couple of days.”

Smith said Hawthorn’s string of close games this season would have the reigning premiers well placed in the heat of finals football.

The Hawks have won six games by 10 points or less in 2016, and endured another thrilling finish against Collingwood last week.

“Being in close games certainly sets you up for finals footy because you don’t see too many blow outs going deep into September,” Smith said.

“We’re confident if the game is close we can get the points, but it would be nice not to put yourself in those situations.”

Hawthorn’s focus won’t be solely on Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield, who collected 43 possessions against the Hawks in Round 1.

A lot of water has gone under the bridge since the last time the two sides met, according to Smith.

“(Our last game against Geelong) was four months ago – the season has really changed and both teams have really changed,” he said.

“They have some really good players other than Paddy, so we’re not just going to be worrying about one fella.”

Smith said the stories surrounding Jack Fitzpatrick and the luckless Brendan Whitecross were great for everyone involved in Hawthorn’s finals campaign.

Fitzpatrick, who was a Hawthorn supporter growing up, kicked a crucial goal in the dying stages against the Pies last Sunday in his first game for the club.

“It was brilliant to see Jack do that on the weekend and (those stories) are really good for everyone to see,” Smith said.

“Whitey’s been working really hard and he’s been able to put about 15 months of consistent footy together.

“That’s the beauty of footy – you get to see stories like that develop and it will be great to see him run out.”