Inspirational Hawthorn star Luke Hodge says the reigning AFL premiers have "turned the corner" and believe anything is possible if they continue the form they showed to down Collingwood.

The Hawks produced their best performance of the season so far to win 18.13 (121) to 11.10 (76) at the MCG on Saturday night.

It followed a fighting win over North Melbourne in the previous round to put Hawthorn firmly back in the finals race, although they face an extremely difficult draw over the next four rounds.

The premiers play Geelong next Saturday at the MCG in a rematch of last year's grand final, then Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium, before facing the competition's form sides St Kilda and Adelaide.

But Hodge, who was magnificent in the midfield with 34 disposals, six tackles and three goals, said if they could repeat the team effort they put in against the Magpies, no opposition was beyond them.

"If we play the hard-running team football that we played tonight, anything's possible," Hodge said.

"But with those teams, we're going to have to be at the best of our ability to beat them."

He said the wins of the past two rounds showed the spirit was still strong after they were annihilated by the Western Bulldogs in round 14, at which stage their premiership defence looked in tatters.

"We sat down together and said: 'What are we going to get out of the season?' and I think the last two weeks has really shown we do have a bit of pride amongst the group," he said.

"We've turned the corner a little bit."

Also heartening was a five-goal haul for star forward Lance Franklin, following his four-goal last quarter in the previous round's comeback win over the Kangaroos.

Coach Alastair Clarkson said it was vital to have the club's best players in form, with captain Sam Mitchell also impressive against the Magpies.

He said that level of application gave his team a "great chance of winning" against anyone, but with the Hawks still outside the eight on percentage he was not looking too far ahead.

"All we're looking forward to is next week against the Cats, we can't afford to look any further than that," Clarkson said.

"... They've been the most formidable side in the competition for the best part of three years and once again they and the Saints are benchmark sides, so we're going to be chasing them pretty hard."

Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse had little doubt the Hawks could cause plenty of damage in the run home, saying they were back playing at a similar level to last year's premiership campaign.

"I've said before you can have all the jumpers you like, it's who's wearing them," Malthouse said.

"They've (had) players out, now they're getting players back, they're going to be a good football side obviously."

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