HAWTHORN defender Angus Litherland is ready to fill one of the vacancies in the Hawks' backline after an outstanding pre-season, according to best and fairest winner Josh Gibson.

The 23-year-old had to bide his time after being selected with pick No.55 in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft, but has impressed whenever given the opportunity.

After making his debut in 2014, the defender has played 19 games with his most recent appearance for the Hawks coming in the final round of last season.

Gibson said Litherland was ready to cement his spot in the team.

"Angus has just been around the edges [as] we have sort of been spoilt for choice [with] so many guys down there over the last few years, but when he has come in he has played his role and played it really well," Gibson said.

Litherland played in all three of the Hawks' NAB Challenge games and is ready to take his chance.

"I know from his perspective he is really keen and wants to take it with both hands when he gets that chance and really try to cement himself this year," Gibson said.

Gibson, 32, said premiership defender James Frawley was capable of taking another step this season after a strong finish to 2015.

He said the former Demon, who crossed to the Hawks as a free agent, took time to understand the way Hawthorn plays but after another pre-season he was in an even better position to play well in defence.

"He really started to understand the system at the end of last year and he has had a really big pre-season this year and been able to further educate himself and develop in that area," Gibson said.

"I'm sure he will want to take another step up this year and continue on some of that strong form we saw last season."

Gibson said it was going to be an interesting challenge for defenders if the interchange caps means more midfielders push forward to 'rest' rather than heading to the bench.

He said Hawthorn defenders were used to playing on a variety of smalls and talls and would be able to manage whatever was thrown their way.

"To master any good forward you have to play team defence and that is what we plan to do this week," Gibson said.