Hawks star Jordan Lewis says his side is expecting North Melbourne to be aggressive from the outset this Saturday.

After the last clash between North and Hawthorn saw spot fires erupt around the ground, Lewis is expecting more of the same this weekend.

“You expect that from North Melbourne, they like to try and get under our skin,” Lewis said on Tuesday.

“They know we’ve got dangerous players up forward and they try and rattle them.

“I would imagine they’d come out and try that again so we’ll have to be ready for it.”

Lewis confirmed the Hawks will be missing key defender Ben Stratton on Saturday.

The 27-year-old suffered a pectoral tear against Melbourne and will miss the next three to four weeks.

“He’s (Stratton) been a super player for a long period of time for us,” Lewis said.

“Especially down back, he’s one of those players who can play tall and small.”

Lewis suggested Angus Litherland as a potential replacement for the Hawks.

“He’s been the one that’s probably come in over the past with those types of players going out.”

James Frawley, Paul Puopolo and Liam Shiels are all attempting to prove their fitness before Saturday’s clash at the MCG.

“They’re all (listed) in the test category. They’ll test and see how they pull up and put their hand up for selection,” Lewis explained.