Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson remains confident his team can feature in the AFL finals, but only if they improve on an underwhelming display against Greater Western Sydney.
The Hawks suffered an 11-point defeat on Saturday night in what was the quintessential eight-point game between two sides scrambling for a spot in the top eight.
Clarkson's charges fought hard for much of the contest, but the Giants dominated the clearances (51-28) and contested possessions (189-136).
"We probably just had a few too many passengers," Clarkson told reporters.
Hawthorn are 10th on the ladder, with an 8-6 record meaning they're still in the mix for September.
"But we need to get going again," Clarkson added.
"If we win more games than we lose in the second half of the season it's going to give us a real chance.
"We were disappointing ... we felt we didn't play anywhere near our capacity tonight and we lost by two goals.
"We need to play a hell of a lot better than that, but it's a pretty even season as we've seen."
Clarkson expects to regain forward Jack Gunston, a late scratching from Saturday night's match because of a corked calf, next weekend.
Will Langford, who suffered a finger injury, will be assessed ahead of the Hawks' clash with Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.
Clarkson was full of praise for ball magnet Tom Mitchell, who tallied 36 disposals and did everything in his power to drag Hawthorn over the line, but lamented how little assistance he received from some teammates.
"Particularly when you play interstate, against a good side with a formidable midfield, you need contributors right across the ground," Clarkson said.
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