Watch Luke Hodge's press conference above.

HAWTHORN captain Luke Hodge says he is feeling better every week as he builds form and fitness in the lead-up to the finals.

Hodge played his fourth game back from a knee injury against Gold Coast on Sunday.

With Sam Mitchell out of the side, the 28-year-old spent more time in the midfield than in previous weeks, and collected 35 disposals in the 64-point win.

"I'm happy to be getting through games at the moment, just to try and build a bit of fitness," Hodge said on Monday.

"The body is still getting used to the physical combat of AFL football, but the more games I play, the better I feel.

"So that's a good sign coming into the finals, I think."

Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson said after Sunday's match he was encouraged by his skipper's progress.

"We got an opportunity to play 'Hodgey' through the middle a little bit more today," Clarkson said on Sunday night.

"I think that was really good for him, not just in terms of the amount of ball he was able to get, and to feel like he was energised in the contest, but also for the fact that he was able to get good run in his legs through the middle of the ground.

"It's his fourth game back now, and that was probably the most running he's had to do [so far], so hopefully he can build even further into the season from here."

Hodge said the Hawks would need to improve on Sunday's performance to beat the Swans in Saturday's top-of-the-ladder clash.

"Our last two games probably haven't been up to scratch from what we expect," he said.

"It doesn't matter who we've got in or out, we expect to play a certain way, and we haven't done that lately.

"Sydney is going to be a tough challenge.

"Everyone knows how well they've played this year, especially at their home ground, so we'll be looking to change things this weekend."

Hawthorn expects to regain Lance Franklin (illness), Mitchell (corked leg) and Josh Gibson (ankle) for the match.