BEN Stratton has backed fellow Hawthorn defender Josh Gibson to rebound, insisting the veteran's leadership is critical to the side's 2017 campaign. 

Stratton revealed Gibson was aware of commentary, saying "they want him to hang his boots up," and had discussed it with his teammates this week in the wake of the Hawks' first-up loss to Essendon.

Gibson, 33, had five intercepts and 14 disposals, in the 25-point defeat.

"His leadership down there and throughout the whole club is just second-to-none, and if it was just that alone we'd be happy to have him," Stratton told AFL.com.au.

"I haven't seen him play two bad games in a row really, so (I'm) looking forward to having him (bounce) back," Stratton said. 

"I think it's important for him to teach us younger leaders how it's done, and the way to go, and also him stepping up filling the void of a few players we've missed." 

The Hawks play Adelaide on Saturday in what looms as another intense battle, after the Crows' rampaging win over premiership favourites GWS in the opening round.

Stratton expects to renew regular hostilities with gun Adelaide forward Eddie Betts. 

"I'd say I'll be near Eddie a couple of times on the weekend," he said with a smile. "I'm looking forward to that." 

"He's so good on the lead, and presents like he's a tall forward, so both sides of my game have got to be on. 

"We've had some good battles, he's a good bloke. But come Saturday, you flick the switch."