HAWTHORN captain Sam Mitchell admits he is surprised that the Hawks are still a chance to make the finals after losing the past three games.

Last Saturday’s loss to St Kilda has left the Hawks in 11th position but they are still a chance to make the finals because of Port Adelaide’s loss and Essendon’s draw.

"We’re falling at that final hurdle aren’t we? Our season is still alive which is a little bit unbelievable after losing the last three. All the doors are open and we’ll be clawing to try and get our way through there," Mitchell said.

Mitchell said he was disappointed with his side’s form against the Saints but that they had to recover quickly to keep their finals hopes alive.

"You look at the way we played on the weekend and you think gee we’re still in the finals race at 8-10. We’ve been a little bit lucky with some other games. We’re not going to be too worried about what’s further on down the track and we’ve got to get ourselves into some competitive form," he said.

"We weren’t competitive on the weekend. We need to play a lot better and we need to have a look at the way we’re going about things and try to improve our systems and get a little bit of improvement. If that means we’re good enough to play Adelaide this week well fantastic. If it’s not then we’re going to continue to try to improve."

Lance Franklin should be right to take on the Crows this week after having a tooth knocked out against the Saints. He will have dental surgery to repair his teeth.

Mitchell said the players were finding plenty of mirth at his glamorous teammate’s appearance.

"It’s a little bit like a graft, it’s got to take. I’m not exactly up to speed with that. For such a vain bugger it’s probably good to look a little bit ugly like everyone else for a day or two. But he’s walking around in pretty high spirits and the boys are giving him plenty," he said.

Franklin had his mouthguard in his sock when the tooth was knocked out but Mitchell said he had learned his lesson.

"I’m not sure why he’d take it out. He said he just about wishes they hadn’t found the tooth because it hurt that much having to put it back in. He’s a tough bugger, he’ll be right."