FAITH in the system and in the depth of the club's list were two big factors in Hawthorn's 42-point win over the Brisbane Lions in Launceston on Saturday, according to versatile defender Josh Gibson.

Gibson, with regular assistance from his teammates down back, had the better of his duel with Lions talisman Jonathan Brown, restricting the spearhead to three goals while racking up 24 possessions himself.

The big positive post-match, however, was that the Hawks had managed another win in Tasmania despite missing a host of seasoned campaigners through injury and suspension.

"We've got some guys out who would be starters, but we've got a good system in place now and that's why we're bringing these young guys in and they're playing their role," he said.

"As long as you get 22 blokes playing their role you can probably be competitive every week.

"It's been more about the blokes in the team and making sure they play towards our structures and that should hold us in good stead."

Following his job on Brown, Gibson was singled out for praise by coach Alastair Clarkson, but it was clearly a team effort in keeping Brown to three goals for the day.

"It was tough, he's a champion," Gibson said.

"To the boys' credit they got in his face a bit and there was good pressure in the midfield which makes that kick come in higher which makes my job easier.

"I didn't get exposed to many wrestles with him because he's a lot bigger than me, so being able to have a run at the ball was helpful."

With the bye up next for Hawthorn, Gibson is not only looking forward to a well-deserved break, but the prospect of a few senior heads returning to the fold for their next match against Melbourne in round 18.

"We need it (the break)," he said. "We'll have Lewi (Jordan Lewis) back from suspension and Sewelly (Brad Sewell) will be there. We need the break and I'm looking forward to a couple of days of relaxing."