Reigning premier Hawthorn is claiming underdog status for Friday night, according to Jack Gunston.

The Hawks’ forward pointed to North’s good form, despite it having lost two of its last three matches.

“I think they are playing pretty consistent footy and they’ve come up against some quality sides and they’ve been good battles,” Gunston said.

“They’ve obviously been on the losing end, but their first sort of eight or nine weeks have been great footy.”

The Roos have major injury concerns though with the likes of Andrew Swallow (concussion), Ben Cunnington (quad), Nick Dal Santo (groin), Robbie Nahas (finger) and Shaun Atley (ankle) under significant clouds.

Nevertheless, Gunston said it won’t make the task any easier.

“Every team has their injuries most weeks, and we’ve had a few over the start of this year.

“They’ve got some quality youngsters. You just need blokes to come in and play a role, and I’m sure whoever they have in on Friday night it’s going to be another challenge.”

Hawthorn has already looked at its opposition closely, with top spot potentially riding on the result of the Etihad Stadium blockbuster.

“They (the Kangaroos) are really consistent over every area. They’ve got quality players through the defence, through the midfield and through the forward line,” Gunston said.

“The way they are moving the ball … their talls are taking marks and their smalls are just as damaging as any in the league.

“It’s just going to be a challenge right across the field.”

Coming off a 108-point win over Essendon, the Hawks look likely to regain midfielder Sam Mitchell from a back injury.

“I’m pretty sure he’s good to go. He trained out there today and looked pretty good, so I’d be surprised if they left him out,” Gunston said.

Taylor Duryea could also make his return, coming back from a hip injury.