Sam Mitchell says Hawthorn has another huge challenge on its hands this week when it faces North Melbourne.



The Hawks fell to Port last week, and are in danger of falling out of the top eight if they can't turn their form around on Saturday night.



"We obviously don't take them lightly. A lot of our back office stats that we take at the footy club say that North Melbourne are a very, very good side," Mitchell said.



The Roos were one of just two sides to beat Hawthorn in the back half of last year, and Mitchell is all too aware of their capabilities.



"If we let them get off to a start the way Port did, we're not going to be able to fight our way back," he said.



"We know we're going to be up against it this week."



Teammate Grant Birchall joined in the praise for Brad Scott's team.



"They play Etihad quite well and the last couple of times they've beaten us I think," he said.



"I think they play a similar sort of style to Port (Adelaide). They like to play a fast, up-tempo style of game, so we'll have to be ready to go.



"It's going to be a big battle and we're looking forward to it."



The loss of Brian Lake in defence makes the task tougher for the Hawks, but Mitchell is confident they have adequate cover.



"We've got pretty good depth in our back half and we're going to have some guys missing that we've had the last couple of games.



"That's going to give opportunities to other guys and hopefully they can take their chances."



Ryan Schoenmakers is considered a likely call-up, despite having not played since Round 23 of last year.



"He's a player we'd be more than comfortable trotting out in our 22," Mitchell added.



Birchall also backed Schoenmakers to come in to provide a chop-out for Josh Gibson and Ben Stratton.



"They line-up quite tall in their forward line so there's a fair chance those guys will have to play on those big guys, and the other defenders and midfielders have to help them out as well," Birchall said.

"If we can get some sort of delay or pressure on the footy through the middle of the ground it will certainly help out our defenders.



"That will be a focus this week."



North Melbourne will be honouring Barassi and the players that made history in winning the club’s first ever VFL premiership, culminating in a motorcade before Saturday night’s clash against Hawthorn – click here for more information