ADELAIDE forward Josh Jenkins believes Hawthorn's defensive group can absorb the loss of the suspended Brian Lake, saying the Crows' attack won't have it any easier in his absence.

Lake was suspended for four games on Tuesday after being found guilty of misconduct against North Melbourne's Drew Petrie last Friday night.

Lake's teammates will take on the Crows this Friday at Adelaide Oval, who will be potentially playing for a spot in the top eight.

Jenkins said that although Lake's suspension would hurt the Hawks, the reigning premiers had ample talent to cover.

"He's a great player when he's up and about, but the great thing about Hawthorn is their back six or seven all help each other out so much," Jenkins said.

"It probably weakens them a little bit, but in terms of the way most teams defend now it's all about the defensive group.

"Taking an individual out will help [us] a little bit, but we've got more things to worry about than just Brian.

"Whether it's Brian Lake or Matt Spangher or Grant Birchall, whoever is back there we're going to have our work cut out for us."

An upset win on Friday night could see Adelaide slip into the eight if one of Collingwood, the Kangaroos or Gold Coast loses.

The Crows are just four points behind the three teams and only fractionally behind the Magpies and Kangaroos on percentage.

As well as for ladder position, Jenkins said the club was playing to continue a run of form that saw it finally win consecutive games last weekend with a success over Greater Western Sydney.

He said the group's confidence was high but it would be thoroughly tested by a fired-up Hawks unit.

"We're feeling pretty good about ourselves … two in a row's nothing to write home about, but we've finally been able to get two matches in a row where we've performed for the most part the way we want to," he said.

"The challenge is to keep that rolling this week against a top four or premiership-contending side.

"It's going to be a huge challenge for us and Hawthorn are going to look to bounce back as well.

"The scene probably couldn't be set any better."

Adelaide remains confident injured players Patrick Dangerfield (knee), Scott Thompson (leg), Daniel Talia (corked buttock) and Ben Rutten (concussion) will all play against the Hawks.