A LITTLE bit of friendly competition in the Hawks’ forward 50 isn’t a bad thing, according to in-form goalkicker Luke Breust.

Fresh from an equal career-best six goals against Richmond on Friday night, Breust said the Hawks’ forward line was starting to look dangerous.

“There’s always great competition between us forwards,” Breust said on Tuesday.

“We all like to get on the end of it, I think it’s healthy for the side… when Cyril’s up and about, myself, Poppy, and then you throw Gunston and guys like that in the mix as well.

“It just means defences are trying to shut down one option, (and) hopefully someone else can bite them.”

Breust leads the Hawks’ goalkicking tally with 17 majors in 2016, closely followed by Jack Gunston (16), Paul Puopolo (15), Cyril Rioli (14) and James Sicily (12).

With key forward and vice-captain Jarryd Roughead on the sidelines, the Hawks’ forwards have needed to adjust their strategy near goal, says Breust.

“Probably the biggest adjustment for us smalls is flying for our marks,” he said.

“I know Poppy and Cyril probably do it more than I do, but just being in a position that if you are caught behind, not letting that defender mark it and actually getting it to ground (has been a focus).

“When Roughy’s there, normally he can take two and still get it to ground and let us small guys do the work, so that’s probably been the biggest adjustment.”

After a 46-point win against the Tigers, the Hawks hold a 5-2 form-guide, heading into a match-up with winless Fremantle at Aurora Stadium.

Breust said despite the Dockers’ results, they were still a team to be reckoned with.

“I don’t think they’re going as bad as what everyone is saying,” he said.

“Obviously their ladder position, 0 and 7, doesn’t look good, but they’re still a quality side. (With) the capabilities they’ve had and shown over the last couple of years, we certainly can’t take them lightly.”