LUKE Breust is enjoying a purple patch in front of goal, but the Hawthorn small forward says threading the big sticks is not his number one aim.

Breust has booted bags of three goals in each of the Hawks' past three matches.

Only seven other players in the AFL have achieved such a streak this season, and that list doesn't include leading goalkickers Lance Franklin and Jack Riewoldt.

The 21-year-old Hawk says work rate and tackling pressure are his key focus, and goals are just "a bonus".

"'Clarko' (Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson) always says that as a small forward, if you can have six to eight tackles a game then you're playing your role," Breust told hawthornfc.com.au.

"That gives you a good chance to have an impact offensively as well, because a lot of the time if the ball's in your area and you're tackling and pressuring, opportunities arise from that."

Breust has elevated his tackles per game average from 2.9 in his debut season last year to 4.4 so far in 2012.

In three of his 10 games, including two of the last three, he has reached Clarkson's lofty target of six or more.

The former rookie-listed New South Welshman has also noticed a spike in his GPS results in recent matches, meaning he's running harder and farther.

"That enables you to get to better spots, and beat your opponent to the contest," he said.

"Guys like Jarryd Roughead and 'Buddy' Franklin, if they're not marking it themselves, they're bringing it to the ground, and that brings guys like myself, Cyril Rioli and Paul Puopolo into the game.

"So it's just about getting to as many contests as you can, whether that's up the ground or around goals, and making the most of those opportunities."

Breust is equally comfortable playing as a high forward working up the ground and then racing back towards goal, or sitting deeper inside 50 and hovering at the feet of Franklin, Roughead or David Hale.

He can also present as a leading option, meaning he can become a dangerous target if given space.
 
"If my man wants to drop off and try and impact on Buddy or Jarryd's contest, then I'll definitely try and hit up and get used across the arc," he said.

On Sunday Breust and the Hawks face the Brisbane Lions, who are fresh from a bye and filled with confidence after their come-from-behind win over West Coast a fortnight ago.

Although Michael Voss' men sit a lowly 14th on the ladder, Hawthorn knows it must once again bring its best if it's to continue its climb towards the top four.

"We definitely can't take them lightly," Breust said.

"It will be another challenge, as it is each week."

Three-game, three-goals-or-more streaks in 2012

Harley Bennell (GC): 3, 3, 3 in rounds 4-6
Luke Breust (Haw): 3, 3, 3 in rounds 9-11
Stewart Crameri (Ess): 3, 4, 5 in rounds 2-4
Alwyn Davey (Ess): 3, 3, 3, 3 in rounds 4-7
Tom Hawkins (Geel): 4, 3, 4 in rounds 1-3
Lewis Jetta (Syd): 3, 3, 3 in rounds 2-4 and 3, 3, 4, 3 in rounds 8-11
Drew Petrie (NM): 3, 5, 5 in rounds 7-9
Taylor Walker (Adel): 6, 5, 3 in rounds 5-7