An in-depth review after Hawthorn's Launceston nightmare has helped set the Hawks up for a genuine premiership push.
After an extraordinary capitulation to Melbourne, at one stage trailing by 96 points, Hawthorn's season is back on track as they look set for a top-four finish for the first time since 2018.
Since losing badly to the Demons, Hawthorn have crushed Carlton and Richmond in ruthless displays.
They'll be back at the MCG on Saturday to face Essendon, who broke a 12-game losing streak in memorable fashion last Sunday against GWS.
Hawthorn will welcome back star midfielder Will Day, who was rested for the match against the Tigers due to a corked calf.
Day believes the way Hawthorn handled the aftermath of the Demons game could set up their season.
"It was the most in depth we've gone (in review) for a while," Day told AAP.
"We're always trying to find positives, which we still did in that second half.
"But we were able to review that first half pretty strongly and just sharpening stuff in some areas that are important for us.
"If anything, we sharpen everything up even more (against lower-ranked teams).
"Really good opportunities to just dial in on the basics of the game and just get after it as much as we do against any other opposition."
Day's absence sent shudders through the Hawthorn supporter base given the key playmaker's injury history.
But the Hawks have taken a steady approach to make sure the 25-year-old is fit and firing for finals.
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell laughed off questions about Day this week, saying he could have faced the Tigers but the Hawks chose not to risk him.
Day missed the 2024 and 2025 finals campaigns, including the run to a preliminary final when they fell to a Patrick Dangerfield masterclass against Geelong.
"It's been really smooth," Day said of his integration back into the team in round 12, ''because we were talking about it for so long in the early part of my rehab, it was all really clear.
"It's not like they got back and they just sprung it on me (that he would be playing limited minutes).
"I feel like we've done a good job of two-way conversations and making me feel like I'm involved in the decision making as well."
