BRIAN Lake has not been rushed back for Hawthorn's crucial clash against Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday, stand-in coach Brendon Bolton insists.
The Norm Smith medallist has not played at any level since he suffered a calf injury against St Kilda in round seven, but won't be eased back like he was in a two-game VFL stint earlier this year.
Instead the 32-year-old full-back returns to face the Magpies' in-form forward Travis Cloke, who booted six goals in a losing cause against the Western Bulldogs last Sunday.
"Our fitness staff have done a fantastic job getting him (Lake) ready," Bolton said on Friday.
"He's done his work and it just strengthens up our backline and it's an important role for us down back."
Lake is expected to get the first crack at Cloke, but stopping the Pies star requires a team defensive effort, Bolton said.
Matt Spangher and Ryan Schoenmakers, who were exposed in the air at times by Carlton forward Levi Casboult last Friday night, will be expected to do their bit and the Hawks' interim coach called on his team to lift their defensive pressure.
"Lake helps of course, but I think more importantly it's how the ball goes in there," Bolton said.
"If it goes in there really fluently I think any defender's under the pump against quality forwards.
"So our team defensive mechanism is what's more important than anything, particularly against this side.
"(Cloke's) an outstanding forward and he's kicking goals. We know that's one avenue to goal and (Jamie) Elliott's also dangerous.
"But winning the supply battle and making sure the ball doesn't get in there too easily is what's more important."
Saturday's contest at the MCG could have huge implications in the race for the top four.
A victory for the Hawks would lift them two wins clear of sixth-placed Collingwood and severely dent the Magpies' top four hopes.
But a Hawks loss would see the reigning premiers fall back into a scrap for the double-chance.
Recent history is in Hawthorn's favour, with the Hawks winning the past five clashes between the sides by an average of 41 points.
"(We're) fully aware of the importance of this game," Bolton said.
"It's really important to try and consolidate near the top and put some pressure on Collingwood.
"We don't really need to speak about it, they (the players) understand it.
"(Collingwood have) bounced back from any loss this year so we're expecting a fierce contest. I don't think the past means anything."
The Hawks have welcomed back sharpshooter Jack Gunston from a corked calf, with Kyle Cheney and Tim O'Brien omitted, but ruckman Ben McEvoy will line-up for Box Hill again this weekend.
"He'd only played about a half in five weeks up until last week, so he needed a bit more of a run," Bolton said.
"But (Jonathan) Ceglar's gone pretty well, so now it's up to 'Macca' to show a little bit more form and force his way back in."
The Magpies have strengthened their midfield with the return of Copeland Trophy winner Dayne Beams, who replaces ruckman Brodie Grundy.
