THIS week Lance Franklin became the second Hawks’ star to be ruled out of Brownlow contention after he followed skipper Sam Mitchell’s lead and accepted an AFL reprimand for rough conduct. According to defender Grant Birchall, it is that kind of team-oriented decision that is gaining Franklin the respect of teammates and reinforcing the club ethos.

“Personally it would be a bit disappointing for both Sam and Buddy, but in saying that the team comes first and we really need them out there, particularly with some of the key injuries that we’ve had this year", said Birchall

"We’re just happy that he’s (Franklin) got off and he can play this week. It’s great to see those guys making those team decisions. Obviously Sam being captain -- he has to set a really good example for all the other players.”

Now that his two teammates have been ruled out of Brownlow contention, Birchall believes that Crows midfielder Scott Thompson is where the smart betting money is heading.

“Scotty Thompson from Adelaide has polled pretty well in the past and I think he’s having an exceptional year, so he’s a good one to get on.”

But he doesn’t doubt that his skipper could have been in line for Brownlow honours were he not ruled out.

“Sam poles really well. He’s under the umpire’s nose I guess. He could have been every chance.”

The prominence of midfielders when it comes to polling Brownlow votes is something Birchall admits is acknowledged by most defenders in the competition.

“The defenders aren’t the flashiest sort of players. The forwards kick the goals, the midfield set it up so they generally get the glory … we do have a joke about that.”

That’s not the only defender’s theory that Birchall subscribes to. He’s also agrees with the classic stereotype of certain personalities thriving in certain positions on the field.

“The forwards are pretty out there. They love the crowd and all that sort of stuff. The midfielders are pretty similar. But us defenders like to think that we’re pretty level headed and we get the job done.

"That’s the thought process from a defender’s point of view.”

But not all defenders conform. According to Birchall, one of his teammates has personality traits more suited to those of a key forward.

“With Trent Croad’s looks and his personality, he’d probably fit in well with the forwards I reckon,” he laughs.

On Saturday the Hawks take on North Melbourne at the MCG, with Birchall quick to admit that his side is expecting the clash to feature the customary fireworks.

“If you look at our last few games there’s always that added bit of spice… there’s always been a bit of a rivalry going with the Kangaroos, going back to the early 70s.”

And despite the two clubs’ last few encounters yielding several suspensions for the Hawks, Birchall insists that coach Alastair Clarkson has not asked his charges to go in with a more measured approach at the weekend.

“We haven’t talked about that stuff at all. We’ll just be focused playing how we want to play and putting our head over the ball.”

A war of words between Hawks’ defender Campbell Brown and North’s Daniel Pratt erupted after the side’s last encounter. Since then Brown’s attempt to become a North Melbourne member has been documented. Birchall, though, is unsure as to whether he’s been successful.

“I’ve no idea whether he’s got his membership form back, no idea,” he laughs.