Hawthorn don't much care if they're perceived as flying under the radar but opponents should underestimate them at their peril, warns premiership forward Luke Breust.
The Hawks have quietly gone about their business in their bid to claim an historic fourth flag in succession.
They've racked up nine wins in a row to sit two games clear on the ladder with four matches left in the home-and-away season.
But the rise of Greater Western Sydney and the impressive form of Sydney, Geelong and Adelaide have captured much of the media spotlight as the battle for the remaining top four spots heats up in the run to the finals.
"It's been interesting to see how that's unfolded ... maybe it's because we were just falling over the line in some games that we were flying under the radar a little bit," Breust said on Tuesday.
"There was (some) thinking that we could be knocked off, that's sort of worked in our favour I think.
"But I don't think (we're being underrated) and if they are then I guess they do so at their own peril because we're hopefully going to finish top four.
"We're two games clear now with four games to go. That was the goal at the start of the year."
Hawthorn will attempt to make it 10 wins on the trot when they take on Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday.
Star duo Cyril Rioli (unspecified injury) and Paul Puopolo (hip) missed the scrappy win over Carlton in Launceston at the weekend but the Hawks are hopeful of regaining them.
The pair trained on Tuesday but must pass fitness tests later in the week to play the Demons.
"Hopefully they can get a full week of training in ... it would be nice to have them back," Breust said.
"I can't remember playing without both of them before. It would certainly be nice to have all three of us together putting on some forward pressure and trying to kick a few goals.
"They ran today and they'll have to get through Thursday's session to be any chance on Saturday."
