But there are still queries on consistency within matches.

That match against the Gold Coast was the start of its current five-match winning streak, but that run of wins has only seen one performance (against St Kilda in round 10) which resembled a four-quarter effort.

Friday’s 10-point win over Collingwood, where they were saved by the Magpies’ inaccuracy, is the most recent case of this.

Coming into Sunday’s blockbuster against top-of-the-ladder Fremantle in Launceston, the Hawks simply can’t afford to play in patches, as defender Ben Stratton explained to The Examiner on Tuesday.

‘‘We haven’t played our best footy,’’ Stratton said of the 9-4 Hawks, who sit a game clear in fourth spot.

‘‘We’ve played patches in two or three quarters and had a lapse in games, so it will be important to put together a four-quarter performance and there’s no better test of that than to come up against the top side.

‘‘If we have those lapses again (against Fremantle), the result probably won’t go our way.’’

The 26-year-old, who has played 105 games in the brown and gold, said the Hawks would have to fight ‘‘fire with fire’’ if they were to get the points.

‘‘You just look at their defence and the way they are able to trap sides in, so it will be a massive test.

‘‘We will just have to apply our own pressure, as once you get stuck in a battle like that, especially against a good defensive side like Freo you know it is going to be a grind.

‘‘You always have to match it with those top sides or you are behind the eight ball from the start.’’

The two-time premiership player said the match with Fremantle, who are 12-1, would have ‘‘high intensity’’, as they are two teams who ‘‘don’t like to lose’’.

The versatile Stratton, who at 189 centimetres and 88 kilograms can play on all types of forwards, has historically had the job on Hayden Ballantyne or Michael Walters.

‘‘With those small guys you have to be more alert when the ball is in dispute and it is bobbing around, as they can just pop out of nowhere and the next minute they are gone.

''Giving guys like Walters or Ballantyne any time or space, they are more than likely going to hurt you.''

Meanwhile. Fremantle will have to overcome a poor record in Launceston (one win from nine games), while Hawthorn has won 20 of its past 21 (including the past 13 straight).

A season-best crowd of more than 15,500 is expected for the match,  with tickets selling fast.

A world record attempt for the longest high-five chain will be part of the pre-match entertainment.

Organisers are hoping for 2000 people to take part.

''It shows great initiative and this will bring people together for a bit of fun, and hopefully we can get the world record,'' Stratton said.

Details of the attempt are available at www.hawthornfc.com.au