IF ANYONE doubts Hawthorn's ability to win a fourth straight premiership, they are making a big mistake, according to forward Luke Breust.

While Breust doesn't think his side is being underestimated, he had a clear message for those who don't pay Hawthorn the respect it deserves.

"If they are (underrating the Hawks), then they do so at their own peril," Breust said on Tuesday.

"We're going to hopefully finish top four. We're two games clear (on top of the ladder) with four games to go."

External opinions of the Hawks have been noted within the club.

"It's been interesting to see how that's unfolded. Maybe because we were just only falling over the line in some games, we were flying under the radar a little bit," he said.

"There was the thinking that we could be knocked off, so it sort of worked in our favour."

Between rounds three and five, Hawthorn defeated the Western Bulldogs, St Kilda and Adelaide, each by three points.

Cyril Rioli missed the clash against Carlton last Saturday with a tight quad, while Paul Puopolo was absent with a hip concern.

Breust said the pair ran on Tuesday and would be a chance to face Melbourne on Saturday afternoon at the MCG.

"I think they'll be both a test this week. Hopefully they can get a full week of training in," he said. 

When the Hawks faced the Demons in round 11, the reigning premiers came away victors by 18 points after scores were level at the last break. Contested midfielder Jack Viney didn't play that day.

The same problems that plagued Hawthorn against the Blues were also an issue versus Melbourne, according to Breust.

"Similar to the weekend, we started OK and then by half-time it was nearly level scores. Just being able to continue to ram home an advantage is probably the biggest thing," he said.

With the Hawks set to earn a double chance in finals, Breust said he did not want to be rested, particularly with the team potentially lining up only once in three weeks.

They will have a bye after round 23, and possibly a week off if they win their qualifying final, presuming they do finish in the top four.

"Personally, I got rested late last year, and … I prefer to just continue playing," he said.

"You keep your touch that way and the patterns that you need to run each week.

"Unless someone was in doubt, I doubt there would be too much resting (at Hawthorn)."