The equation is simple.

Win and the Hawks can jump inside the top-three for the first time since round four and remain firmly in the mix for back-to-back flags.

Lose and the defending premier is faced with the arduous task of winning four straight finals, which history says is always a tough ask.

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Nothing separated the pair earlier in the season after Tigers coach Peter Cook kicked a goal after the siren to snatch a thrilling draw.

Hawks wingman, Jack Andrew, conceded the stakes don't get any higher during the home and away rounds.

"It's obviously a season defining clash for both sides really and having the double chance in finals is priceless," Andrew said.

"But to be honest we treat every match the same and if we don't get the win, it's not the end of the world.

"Both Barnawartha and us have won the flag from the elimination final in the past decade, so it's not like it's Mission Impossible."

In a savage blow to the Hawks' flag aspirations, Federal recruit Mitch Paton will miss the rest of the year with a shoulder injury.

The athletic tall injured his shoulder in an off-field accident and has missed the past three rounds.

Paton had booted 20 goals from centre half-forward and is the Hawks' most reliable avenue to goal behind spearhead Guy Telford.

"Mitch is important to our structures and losing him definitely hurts us," Andrew said.

"He certainly adds a different dimension to our attack.

"But Chris Dove who is a local that was playing down in Melbourne has returned and help cover the loss."

Showers are forecast until Sunday, which should favour the Hawks with the Tigers' strong marking forwards one of their biggest assets.

Andrew said the Hawks won't be relying on the wet weather to get the points.

"We rate ourselves as an anywhere, anytime team and won't be worrying about the conditions."

The Tigers will be sweating on the availability of their inspirational coach in Cook.

Cook has missed the past three weeks with a calf complaint and will be mindful of returning too soon with finals fast approaching.

Andrew conceded the Hawks needed to recapture their form if they were going to progress deep into September.

"Internally we are confident we can turns things around and are yet to play our best football," he said.

"Externally a lot of critics have wrote us off as contenders but we are a proud club and in for the fight and not into making excuses."