The Hawks have had to overcome sluggish starts in their last two matches, heading into the quarter-time break behind both Geelong and Port Adelaide in Rounds 19 and 20.
The Cats booted nine first quarter goals against the Hawks in the Round 19 clash, opening up a 51-point lead early in the second term.
The Power too outscored the Hawks, though inaccuracy in front of goal coast them a bigger lead.
Birchall says a mental adjustment needs to be made.
“It’s probably the mental approach,” he said.
“We probably haven’t really come to play in the first quarter, but to Port’s credit and Geelong’s credit, they really hunted us.
“They came out firing and jumped us, which is full credit to them, they played really good footy.”
The rebounding defender says the Hawks need to be aggressive at the first bounce on Sunday to ensure the Suns don’t get off to a similar start to the Cats and Power.
“We just have to come with that right, aggressive mindset,” he said.
“You can’t afford to give any side a really good start because that belief and self-confidence comes and it’s very hard to match.
“No doubt Ablett and the crew at the Gold Coast will be trying to get a start and trying to jump us to get that belief happening.”
The 2008 premiership player is looking forward to a possible match-up with premiership teammates, turned Gold Coast forward Campbell Brown.
He says he’s looking forward to the challenge of facing his “good mate” and expects a sledge or two to be exchanged.
“No doubt there might be a bit of heckling going on,” he joked.
“[But] he’s been around for a while now, he’s played a lot of footy.
“He’ll use his experience and his leadership to tell the guys what to do.
“He’s a fantastic guy and one of my good mates so I’m looking forward to the challenge.
“He’s been a great player for a number of years and we’ll see what happens on Sunday.”
Kate Salemme is a member of Hawthorn Football Club’s Digital media team reporting exclusively for hawthornfc.com.au from the Ricoh Centre.
RELATED
Knowing your role the key: Birchall Read this week's match preview, Looking ahead to Gold Coast Buddy's leadership kicking goals View this week's Hawks team to take on the Suns We can cover Cyril: Cameron
