HAWTHORN vice-captain Jordan Lewis says the reigning premiers will need to improve on their effort against Melbourne last week if they are to remain in the top four.
Speaking to the media at the Ricoh Centre today, Lewis said the Hawks must improve in their final three games of the home-and-away season if they are to secure a top four spot.
“We need to remain one game ahead of the pack and that’s probably going to be the approach (we’ll take) for the last three games,” he said.
“So we need to be a lot better than what we were on the weekend (against Melbourne).”
The four-time premiership player said there wasn’t one particular issue behind the 29-point loss to the Demons last week, rather a number of factors.
“We went through the review this morning – there were structural issues, a little bit of effort and an opposition that were harder and tougher than we were,” Lewis said.
“We have had a good block of games. We haven’t played great games – especially over the last couple of weeks – but you certainly learn more from a loss than you do from a win.
“It’s probably good (the loss) has come at this time and we learnt some really good lessons out of the game, there’s no doubt about that.”
Defender Ben Stratton will be sidelined for at least three weeks with a pectoral injury, and Lewis said the loss of the versatile backman was significant.
“(Stratton) has been a super player for a long period of time for us down back. He’s one of those players who can play tall and small,” he said.
“We’ll just have to find someone to step up and replace him.”
The news may be better for other injured players, with James Frawley (shoulder), Liam Shiels (hamstring) and Paul Puopolo (hip) all a chance to return this week.
“They’ll all be tested, see how they pull up and put their hand up for selection,” Lewis said.
Hawthorn will make at least two changes ahead of its clash with North Melbourne this week after James Sicily accepted a one-match suspension for striking Bernie Vince in the second quarter of last week’s loss.
