MIDFIELDER Liam Shiels says mental lapses are all that has prevented Hawthorn from making a better start to the season.
The Hawks' loss to the Sydney Swans on Sunday was their third of 2012, leaving them 11th on the ladder, 12 points adrift of the unbeaten Swans and West Coast.
Shiels insisted the club was staying positive, saying small drops in concentration were the difference between a 2-3 and 4-1 start.
"It's definitely not panic stations at this stage," Shiels told hawthornfc.com.au.
"We've played probably five of the top eight sides, and we've just dropped off for 10 minutes or a quarter here and there, and that's cost us a few games.
"It's not a hard thing to fix. It's just we've got to stay mentally focussed for the four quarters."
Hawthorn has lost the clearance and contested possession count in four of its five games, but Shiels denied there was a problem in those areas.
"We were up in the clearances in the first half [against the Swans]," he said.
"When we're on, we're good, but if we drop off around the structures and the hunt, we obviously lose.
"So I wouldn't say it's a problem, but it's something we'll look at and work to get better on in the coming weeks."
The 21-year-old also dismissed concerns over the Hawks' ability to run out matches, after they held leads against Geelong, the Eagles and Swans but lost all three games.
"We've had a massive pre-season, bigger than the last three or four years, so there's no concern about the side's fitness," Shiels said.
"[It's about] just not switching off.
"Against the very best sides you just don't get to have a down 10 minutes, or else they'll kick a couple of goals and that'll win them the game.
"So that's something we're working on - just mentally focussing for the whole four quarters, and sticking to the structures, and hunting the footy for the four quarters."
One of the big finds for Hawthorn last season when he played all 25 games and averaged 23 possessions, Shiels has had an interrupted start to 2012.
He missed the Hawks' last three NAB Cup and first two home and away matches with a quad injury, returning for the round three win over Adelaide.
"It was my third game back on the weekend, so I should be back to match fitness now," he said.
"I think it always has a bit of an impact on your fitness when you miss a month of footy, but because we had such a big pre-season it doesn't take long to get it back.
"I'm looking to have a good couple of weeks."
Hawthorn faces St Kilda at the MCG on Saturday night.
Mark Macgugan covers Hawks news for AFL.com.au and hawthornfc.com.au. Twitter: @AFL_MarkM.
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