IN-FORM defender Josh Gibson believes Hawthorn is better equipped to handle finals pressure this week than it was a fortnight ago.

Although the Hawks fielded 11 premiership players in their 31-point week one loss to Geelong, that line-up also contained seven finals debutants.

With two finals now behind them, including a win over the Sydney Swans last Friday night, Gibson said his team would approach its preliminary final clash with Collingwood full of confidence.

"Obviously that first final was a pretty daunting experience," Gibson said at the All Australian awards on Monday night.

"We've got a lot of young guys, and they've played a couple of finals now and had a win, so it probably eases the nerves."

The 27 year-old former Kangaroo hasn't taken part this late in a season since North Melbourne's 87-point preliminary final loss to Port Adelaide in 2007.

After a best-on-ground performance against the Swans, Gibson, along with his fellow defenders, faces the big task of stopping the Magpies' monster forward duo Travis Cloke and Chris Dawes.

"It's going to be a challenge, and it's one we're looking forward to," Gibson said.

"As I've said in the past, you always want to play on the best, and those two are definitely one of the most dangerous combinations going around.
 
"I think the key is for our back guys to play as a group and look after one another, and if we can bring that, then hopefully it's going to hold us in good stead."

Gibson said the Hawks are desperate to progress beyond this week.

"There's obviously guys in the team who have won a flag, but there's also plenty of us that haven't, and who haven't played in a Grand Final," he said.

"And the guys that have got one want another one.

"It's a great motivation. It's what everyone plays footy for."

Mark Macgugan writes for hawthornfc.com.au and covers Hawks news for afl.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @mmacgugan.