HAWTHORN has learnt valuable lessons from its narrow early-season defeats at the hands of Geelong and West Coast, according to assistant coach Brendon Bolton.

Defeated by less than a goal in three of their last five matches (including the preliminary final), Bolton says that the players are now better equipped to overcome their opposition when the game is tight.

“I think the more you’re in those situations the more steely resolve you gain,” Bolton said.

“It’s been a real learning experience for us over the past and we think that because of those experiences we’ll be better equipped and no doubt we’re going to have to play to the line this week.

“Our effort in all the games to date has been really pleasing and we think if we can maintain that effort and make some better decisions with the football that we can get the result soon.”

Hawthorn takes on Sydney at Aurora Stadium on Sunday, a home away from home for the Club - winning 12 of its past 16 matches at the venue.

Despite the Swans having never played at Aurora, Bolton says that won’t count for much once the first ball is bounced.

“We think it’s a place where we play really good footy but we know when you play Sydney you’ve got to turn up to play 120 minutes of tough, solid football,” he said.

“They’re a team that are really hard at the contest and pride themselves on their tackle pressure and contested footy so it’s really important across the board that we match them in that area.”

Despite being in winning positions in all four of their matches to date, Bolton believes the Hawks have room to improve.

“We need to make sure we’re using the ball and making good decisions going forward to give Buddy (Lance Franklin) and those types good opportunities,” he said.

“We need to make sure, like in all games, we give our forwards the best opportunity to score.”

The Swans are ranked second and fourth in the competition for contested possessions and tackles respectively, and the Hawks are prepared for a tough, close contest.

“A big battle against Sydney is always the contested footy and winning stoppages but in saying that we’ve got some really good midfielders in there ourselves,” Bolton said.

“We know (Sam) Mitchell is a quality player, (Brad) Sewell and (Jordan) Lewis up against the likes of (Josh) Kennedy and (Adam) Goodes, they’re really good inside midfielders as well.”

The Swans combine a relentless defensive mindset with the ability to attack quickly and effectively from defence, areas assisting in their improvement from season to season.

Nick Malceski, Heath Grundy and Rhyce Shaw are damaging rebounders for the Swans, and Bolton says that limiting their ability to rebound will assist the Hawks in their desire for the four points.

“If we’re winning our share of the ball and we’re controlling the footy, then it’s hard for those guys (rebounding defenders) to get in the play,” he said.

“Our decision making going forward is going to be critical to us scoring - it’s not reinventing the wheel, it’s just making sure that we do those basics well.

“To put it down to one thing to win this game is difficult, we’ve just got to be good for 120 minutes across lots of different areas.”

Kate Salemme is a member of Hawthorn Football Club’s Digital media team reporting exclusively for hawthornfc.com.au from the Ricoh Centre.