ALASTAIR Clarkson says Hawthorn's intent has improved since its 62-point loss to Richmond in round nine, but insists his team is yet to prove itself against the competition's best.

The Hawks' 65-point thrashing of the Brisbane Lions at the MCG on Sunday made it three straight wins since falling to the Tigers, moving them to fifth on the ladder.

But, as Clarkson pointed out, each of those victories came against teams outside the top eight.

"Our game against Richmond… we were really average that day in regard to our attack on the footy and the pressure we apply to the opposition, and that's been what's been pleasing about the last three weeks," Clarkson said post-match.

"We need to produce that on a consistent basis.

"If we're going to be a great side at the end of the year then we need to make sure that we do it against some of the more seasoned campaigners.

"With no disrespect to the Kangaroos, Brisbane or Port Adelaide, there wasn't a scribe in the land that had them as seriously challenging for the flag.

"So we've done really well the last three weeks, we've been pleased with our intent, but it's yet to be proven that we can do it against the very good sides.

"That's the challenge that is going to be presented to us in the last 10 rounds of the season, and it's certainly a challenge that we're up for, because we really do want to see where we're at as a footy club."

The Hawks have a bye next week before facing Carlton in a big Friday night round-14 clash.

Vice-captain Jordan Lewis will return from suspension for that match, and Clarkson said Brendan Whitecross should also be available after missing the win over the Lions with groin tightness.

Clarkson said it was yet to be decided whether or not captain Luke Hodge would also make a return against the Blues or be sent into a heavy training block to regain fitness.

The Norm Smith medallist has played only two matches this season, missing rounds one to four with a calf injury, and the past six weeks with a PCL strain.

"He (Hodge) is nearly ready to play now," Clarkson said.

"If he'd only missed one or two games, then he probably would have played today.

"But we need to make sure we get his program right.

"He's now missed a fair slab of footy through a calf injury early and now a PCL, so we've got to make sure he's properly conditioned.

"It's all about getting him to be match fit and match hardened for the last six or eight rounds of the home and away season.

"We'll train him a little bit more over the next week to 10 days and then see what we do in regard to the Carlton game and GWS the week after."