DEFENDER Josh Gibson says there's no clear explanation for Hawthorn's up-and-down form so far this season.

The Hawks suffered an upset 62-point loss to Richmond on Saturday, just as their year appeared to be gaining momentum following three straight wins.

After losing to only three teams - grand finalists Geelong and Collingwood, plus Adelaide - for the whole of 2011, Hawthorn now finds itself at 5-4 and, by its own admission, "middle of the road".

"The personnel is not a lot different," Gibson said on Monday.

"We've had some really good wins over the past three weeks, but on the weekend we took a step back.

"I think it just comes down to getting out-hunted. They really attacked us, and we didn't attack them in the same manner."

Although disappointed with its effort, Gibson said Hawthorn would look to move on quickly from the loss after Monday afternoon's review.

He said it would be important to create a positive mood at training this week in preparation for an important clash with his former team, North Melbourne, on Saturday.

"As disappointing as the weekend was, you can't sit and dwell on that for too long," the 28-year-old said.

"We'll review it today, look at the things we did wrong and make sure that we go out this week and train hard to rectify that to make sure they don't happen again when we play North on the weekend."

Top of the list, Gibson said, would be addressing the differential in contested possession and inside 50s.

The Tigers won the two categories 166-137 and 67-52 respectively.

Gibson also said the Hawks were still striving for four quarters of effort.

Third quarters have proved a particular weakness for the Hawks, having lost seven of nine for the year. 

"We've played some good games, but we've had some poor quarters," he said.

"It comes down to that inconsistency.

"So it's the ability to sustain the effort over four quarters week in, week out, that going to help us play better as a side."