HAWTHORN veteran Josh Gibson is confident he has turned the corner after a slow start to the season.

The 33-year-old defender was criticised for his efforts as the Hawks lost their first four games of the year.

But he has lifted his game to help the Hawks win three of their past four to revive hopes of making the finals.

"My form has been a bit scratchy; I'm not going to hide away from that," Gibson told hawthornfc.com.au.

"I feel like I've got better over the last few weeks, but definitely the start wasn't where I wanted it to be and what I want to be supplying the footy team with my defensive work.

"On the weekend, I felt like I got back to bringing the ball to ground and getting those spoils back in, which are important for us.

"I can't dwell on the games that have happened, (I just have to) keep building and moving forward."

The Hawks will have a different look about them for Saturday night's game with Collingwood at the MCG.

Experienced quartet Cyril Rioli (knee), Grant Birchall (knee), Ben Stratton (knee) and James Frawley (turf toe) will all be on the sidelines.

"It will be a big difference not having those senior guys out there," Gibson said.

"We've played a lot of football together and there's a lot of experience in that group.

"Those three guys not playing gives fantastic opportunities to some younger guys. "Not only just the younger guys playing, but to really step up and own it and be a leader.

"I'm looking forward to getting to mix it with the younger guys and I'm sure from a game perspective and our roles, they won't change.

"It's just about playing to the team structure and not trying to do anything too special."