HAWTHORN defender Grant Birchall says his team can’t afford to get complacent in a year of upsets.

Season 2014 has thrown up a number of intriguing results, headlined by lowly St Kilda’s crushing win over premiership contender Fremantle at Etihad Stadium two weeks ago.

After the Hawks defeated ladder-leaders Sydney by 10 points last Saturday night, the Hawks will need to consolidate that win against the 14^th-placed Bulldogs at Aurora Stadium on Sunday.

Birchall, who was outstanding against the Swans with 24 disposals says the Hawks are aware they need to bring their best and treat each opponent on their merits.

“You can’t take any game easily,” Birchall told hawthornfc.com.au

“There have been plenty of example throughout the year where the top sides have been a little bit complacent I guess and been beaten by the lesser teams.

“You have to go through the same routine and not get complacent by setting high standards at training and that type of thing.

“We’re in a really good spot at the minute, the attitude of the boys is really good so we’re just looking forward to getting down there and ripping in.”

The Hawks have been on the receiving end of what many viewed as an upset in recent weeks, when they were beaten by North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium in Round 16.

Midfielder Sam Mitchell highlighted that loss as one that has taught the Hawks a valuable lesson heading into the latter stages of the season.

He said the impact of that game is still felt on the players.

“We learnt that lesson a few weeks ago against North that if you go into games with anything less than being 100 per cent ready to go, then you can drop a game to anyone,” Mitchell said.

“They really taught us a lesson that night but hopefully we can continue to learn that lesson and remember that lesson for the rest of the season.”

With that in mind, Birchall was full of praise for the Bulldogs who have enjoyed an impressive last six weeks of football.

Starting with their upset win over Collingwood in Round 13, the Bulldogs have beaten Melbourne and Gold Coast, pushed Geelong within seven points and were unlucky not to defeat Essendon in Round 18.

“It’s not going to be easy, they’ve had a good last month,” Birchall said of Sunday’s clash.

“Their contested ball, clearance numbers and tackles are really high, so we’ll have to be on in those areas.

“We’re going to have to bring our pressure game, win first use of the footy to give our forwards every opportunity.

“They’re in good form but we’ll back ourselves in.”

Contributing to their rise has been the emergence of young forward Jake Stringer.

At 192cm, the former number five draft pick has added another dimension to an improving forward line that already features Stewart Crameri and Luke Dahlhaus.

Since forcing his way back into the Bulldogs side in Round 15, Stringer has booted 11 goals in his last four matches including a bag of five against the Bombers in Round 18 and four against the Demons in Round 15.

The 20 year old can pose a headache for opposition coaches because of his ability in the air and on the ground.

“He’s impressive, he moves quite well for his size,” Birchall said of the young Bulldog.

“He’s a big guy who can take a grab as well so he has all the attributes.

“It (the match-up) can be a little bit tricky – he has the attributes, he is a really good mover, good at ground level and above his shoulder as well.

“We’ll have to play him really tightly and help whoever is playing on him too, to give him a chop out.”