Key position Hawks Michael Thompson and Mitch Paton both suffered soft tissue injuries against Chiltern last weekend.

Rubbing salt into the Hawks' wounds they lost the clash by less than a kick and find themselves outside the top-five with a 1-2 record.

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Premiership coach Adam Mudra said he wouldn't be treating the Cats lightly.

"At this stage Paton has been ruled out while Thompson is unlikey," Mudra said.

"Chiltern certainly come to play last week and any side who underestimates their finals credentials are in for a shock.

"We have endured a slow start to the season and we were certainly hoping to be better than 1-2 after three rounds.

"Rutherglen have started the season well and are ahead of us on the ladder.

"We need to make sure we improve this week."

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