HAWTHORN forward Jarryd Roughead says his team is looking forward to another big challenge against the Eagles at Patersons Stadium on Saturday night.

Roughead, who has played two games since making his return from injury believes that the Club’s trip to Perth in the final week of the pre-season holds the side in good stead for the big clash.

“To get a run around on the bigger ground four weeks ago is what you want, especially when you know you’ve got to come over four weeks later,” he said.

“It couldn’t be better preparation for us - (we’ve) taken a bit of confidence from that and hopefully we can build on it this week.”

The Hawks have had a tough opening to the home-and-away season, and the backline in particular, has faced big challenges each week.

In consecutive weeks the Hawks have had to nullify Pies duo Travis Cloke and Chris Dawes, Geelong forwards Tom Hawkins and James Podisaidly and on Sunday, Crows pair Kurt Tippett and Taylor Walker.

Roughead says though, that those battles have prepared the backline for the challenge of facing the in-form Josh Kennedy, Quinten Lynch and resting ruckmen Nic Naitanui and Dean Cox this week.

“The last three weeks they’ve (the backline) had to deal with some big gorillas, but I think Schoey (Ryan Schoenmakers) took a big step on the weekend,” he said.

“Sometimes they’ve got up to four big guys who are six foot four up there so I suppose our backs will have to be on their toes.

“After half time (against Adelaide) the whole defensive group played really well so they should take a lot of confidence from that and build on it this week.”

Ruckman Broc McCauley missed last week’s win over the Crows with a stomach virus, but with a big challenge against Naitanui and Cox this week, the Hawks remain optimistic.

“They’re the best one-two combination in the competition so it’s a big test for us,” Roughead said.

“I suppose we did it a bit last year with our rucks going down, but it’ll be a good challenge for us this week.”

Skipper Luke Hodge could be in line to make his return from a calf injury that has kept him out of the opening three rounds of the season.

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