SHANE Savage says it's too early for Hawthorn to start worrying about its ladder position.

Determined to finish in the top four and give themselves the best possible chance at reaching the Grand Final, the Hawks sit outside the top eight after close early season losses to Geelong and West Coast.

But far from panicking, Savage believes the high intensity clashes will stand the club in good stead to mount a charge over the coming rounds.

"There's been some tough games for us, which I think has been good for the team," Savage told hawthornfc.com.au on Tuesday.

"It's been good to have a really good challenge over the first four rounds, and they've all been pretty winnable games, so I think it's set us up well for the year.

"We've been in the game against good teams like West Coast and Geelong; we've just got to capitalise on our opportunities."

For the third consecutive week, Hawthorn faces an unbeaten team on Sunday, this time the Sydney Swans.

Although admitting it was important not to lose touch with the top teams, the young midfielder stressed that there's a long season ahead.

"It's important for us to start stringing a few games together, because it's at the point now where we probably shouldn't be losing too many more games during the year if we want to get into the top four," Savage said.

"But two and two isn't bad at all; we've still got plenty of rounds to go."

After Saturday night's loss to the Eagles, Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson suggested John Worsfold's men were the best in the league at manipulating tackles to win head-high free kicks.

Savage said he hadn't noticed the tactics, suggesting it was the Eagles' ability at the contest that has won them frees.

"I don't think it's really an issue," the 21-year-old said.

"I think it just comes down to winning the hard ball.

"I'm sure if you go for the ball you'll get the free kick. It's more about getting in first and winning the ball."

Mark Macgugan covers Hawks news for afl.com.au and hawthornfc.com.au. Twitter: @AFL_MarkM.