THERE’S a simple solution to Hawthorn’s defensive troubles, says Josh Gibson.

But it’s not former triple-premiership teammate Brian Lake.

Opposition teams have averaged almost 102 points per game against the Hawks in the opening six rounds of 2016, compared to just over 70 points per game during last year’s home-and-away season – an area in which the Hawks were the competition’s leading team.

On Saturday, the Hawks conceded 158 points against the Giants.

Gibson says the Hawks need to buckle down and get their team defensive structures right.

"It's got nothing to do with (losing retired full-back) Brian Lake, the way Hawthorn play we're a team defence," Gibson said.

"It's not just down to the back six – we obviously need to improve our area – but when we're at our best our team defence is strong.

"But we'll buckle down, we're not going to call Brian Lake and say we need him back, because that's not the answer to what's going on now."

On the weekend, the Giants beat the Hawks around the stoppages, which also perhaps impacts on the Hawks’ ability to set up defensively.

"We're not going to shy away that we need to be better in that area (winning contested football)," Gibson said.

"We just haven't been hungry enough the last few weeks.

"But I think you'll also see the way we play that contested ball's not always a contributing factor."

The Hawks will be looking to rebound quickly from Saturday night’s performance, and face a Richmond side without key players Trent Cotchin and Alex Rance at the MCG on Friday night.

"Regardless of where both clubs are sitting on the ladder, Richmond have always taken it up to us and it's a great challenge," Gibson said.

"We're hungry to get out there and fix the things we need to fix. That's our focus leading into this week… getting Hawthorn's brand of footy back to the way we need to be playing."