HAWTHORN star Lance Franklin is still playing his role for the team, despite going goalless in his past two matches, teammate Brian Lake says.
The four-time All Australian failed to register a goal in the Hawks' 11-point win over Adelaide on Saturday, and also in the previous week's victory over North Melbourne.
It is the first time since his debut season of 2005 that Franklin has been goalless in consecutive matches.
But Lake said there was no need for panic.
"He's still playing his role," the key defender said on Monday.
"He's bringing the ball to ground, and other guys in the forward line are contributing as well.
"Obviously for him personally, he'd like to be kicking goals, but what he's doing for the side now is he's doing his role."
Franklin managed 17 disposals, including five inside 50s, against the Crows, to go with an equal career-high five one-percenters (Champion Data's statistic for knock-ons, spoils, smothers, and shepherds).
Inaccuracy has not helped his goal tally - he has kicked seven behinds across the two matches.
Lake drew on personal experience to refute any suggestion Franklin's contract status – he has put off talks until season's end – could be affecting his on-field form.
"I've had that issue back when I had to sign my contract [with the Western Bulldogs] as well, and I didn't see it as a distraction, not at all," Lake said.
On Saturday night Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson said it was a positive for his team to be winning without major hauls from its biggest star.
"We've played two really good sides the last couple of weeks … so we're pleased in the sense that we've been able to win a couple of close games without him contributing.
"Obviously it’s going to help if he starts getting on the scoreboard a bit more, but it's good that we can find different avenues."
Hawthorn had nine different goalkickers against Adelaide, former Crow Jack Gunston leading the way with three.