HAWTHORN is bracing for the North Melbourne that has beaten three of the current top four sides in the competition tonight at Etihad Stadium.

The Roos have been chronically inconsistent this year despite many believing they would be almost certain to finish in the top four at year’s end.

The season hasn’t turned out that way for Coach Brad Scott’s team yet even though he has coached his side to victories over Port Adelaide, Sydney and Fremantle.

Those games brought out the best in his side only to be counteracted by performances like the one that saw them defeated by Brisbane last Saturday night.

Hawthorn Assistant Coach Brett Ratten believes the Hawks will face the North Melbourne team that has defeated three of the current top four tonight and have planned accordingly.

“They’ve been in very good form against the top teams and we’re very mindful of that,” he told hawthornfc.com.au ahead of tonight’s clash.

“We know what they can do.”

Ratten said it has been in their attack on the ball and ability to dominate the contested footy that has led to their victories over the top teams.

Despite being ranked 14^th in the league for contested possessions this year, the Roos won the contested footy count 143-135 against Port Adelaide and 172-163 against Sydney.

“That’s an area that when they’re up and playing their best footy, they’re winning the contested ball, whether it’s in a clearance situation or just in high congestion, they do it extremely well,” he said

But it has been in their ability to capitalise on their momentum that has helped the Roos record some famous victories this year.

Against the Power, the Roos booted five of the last six goals to win the game and six of the last eight goals against the Swans.

They also famously kicked 13 of the last 16 goals to steamroll the Tigers and turn a 35-point half time deficit into a 28-point win.

Ratten says that has been one of the biggest strengths of their side this year and it will be crucial for the Hawks to counter that tonight.

In order to do that, Hawthorn will need to convert its opportunities in front of goal, something that has been a strength this season.

The Hawks are ranked number one in the league for conversion, with 58.3 per cent.

“We will need to make sure the momentum stays with us more than it does with them,” he said.

“To break that momentum will be really critical for us – we know they’re going to get their hands on the ball, they’re going to get inside 50s and have shots on goal but how long that momentum stays in the game is really critical for us to change that and challenge them the other way.

“Whether you get one, two or five shots at goal, it’s that conversion rate that matters because it creates enormous pressure and can actually take away some of the pressure when a team comes at you.

“To get that one back really sends a message to the opposition.”

The Hawks are expecting a fierce contest from the outset, with the Roos on the rebound and looking for another big scalp.

“We know they’re a good team and they’re going to respond,” Ratten said.

“They want to get into the finals and cement their spot in the eight – we know how important it is for them.

“On the flipside, it’s very important for us to keep our momentum.

“They’ll be coming out breathing fire so we need to make sure we match or better that.”