Kiewa-Sandy Creek looking to rediscover form ahead of clash with Barnawartha

But the alarm bells must be ringing in the Hawks' camp.

A 50-point loss to Thurgoona in the opening round was one of the biggest touch-ups the Hawks have received.

After the loss, many pundits expected the reigning premier to rebound strongly.

And although they accounted for Tallangatta, Dederang-Mt Beauty and Rutherglen, last weeks loss against Mitta United has raised questions about the Hawks' credentials.

Midfielder Jake Hicks conceded the Hawks are yet to hit their straps.

"Internally we know there is plenty of room for improvement," Hicks said.

"Our form has been up and down a fair bit.

"We are yet to be at full-strength which is relating to our form a little bit.

"We have played a good quarter of footy here and there but are yet to string a good performance together."

Hicks said the shock loss to Mitta United could prove to be the wake-up call that sparked the defending premier.

"It was probably a bit of a reality check for a few blokes in the team," he said.

"Hopefully we learn from it and use it as a wake-up call to get our season back on track and where it should be.

"It might be the spark we need to turn things around.

"Even our more senior players, there is a couple there who are yet to get even close to their best form.

"So we feel there is still plenty of upside."

Hicks is entering his third season with the Hawks after stints with Wodonga and North Ballarat City.

The 30-year-old won a flag with North Ballarat City where he spent five seasons.

He was lured out to Kiewa by former Bulldogs teammate Guy Telford.

Hicks has proved to be a vital cog in the Hawks' midfield alongside Jack Di Mizio, Jason Bartel and Tim Kindellan.

Jed Andrew also returned to Kiewa this season after a stint with Culcairn.

Hicks said the Hawks were a different side structurally compared to last season.

"It's definitely a different looking side," he said.

"The players that we did recruit are probably more key position players.

"The players we lost were more midfield types that run and carry the footy

"So we have had to restructure the side a little bit and its probably taken a little while to gel.

"It's probably holding us back from producing a performance that we know we are capable of.

"We have got Barnawartha this week who are a contender and it will give us a good gauge of where we are at."