JACK Gunston thought his days down back were behind him.

Bombarded by injury to his defenders last year and with Gunston's form not quite what it once was, coach Alastair Clarkson sent his triple premiership forward to half-back.

The experiment was a resounding success.

Gunston racked up enormous numbers – always a good thing with his kicking skills – and performed a key role in Hawthorn's mid-season revival that almost saw it snatch an unlikely finals berth.

However, order was restored once the 2018 season arrived, with Gunston booting 21 goals in the opening nine rounds to remind everyone of his offensive talents.

But with the Hawks mired in a three-match losing skid, Clarkson again pulled out the ace up his sleeve.

The 26-year-old swingman has responded with 52 disposals across two Hawthorn victories in the past fortnight, and now it's anyone's guess where he will start from week to week.

"I come in on a Monday or a Tuesday and whatever 'Clarko' or the team needs, I'm happy to do," Gunston told AFL.com.au.

"I had a taste for it last year and really enjoyed the challenge. Things weren't going my way as a forward last year, so it was great to be able to mix it up and add another string to my bow.

"I wasn't expecting it to happen as much this year, but it's been a great change in the last few weeks. I like being the player who's able to adapt to whatever position's needed at the time."

Clarkson places great importance in his side's defensive drive, with Jarman Impey the latest player used at half-back, on top of the likes of Gunston, James Sicily, Ryan Burton and Blake Hardwick.

He had to get creative with All Australian defender Grant Birchall (knee) playing only five games since the start of last season and former captain Luke Hodge no longer at the club.

Hawthorn ranks first in rebound inside 50 differential and is second in inside 50 differential despite placing 13th in clearances and seventh in clearances.

"It's such a turnover game these days that you're trying to turn the ball over in between your arcs, and your half-backs provide a lot of that run and drive," Gunston said.

"It's been a big part of our game over the years and we want to be able to keep developing that."

Hawthorn's charmed run on paper begins with Gold Coast in Launceston on Saturday, but the Suns actually beat Gunston's Hawks twice in 2017.

"Credit to them, they played really well, but I think our contested ball numbers and just our hunt during those games weren't up to scratch," he said.

"They were two games in the first half of last year and they were pretty convincing losses, so we need to fix those. We've done a lot of work this week looking at ways we can stop the Gold Coast style.

"A lot of people are bashing them up in the media, but they do have some real strengths in their team and some quality players, so we're not going to take them lightly."

So where should the Suns expect Gunston to play?

"I'll have to ask 'Clarko' and get back to you," he replied with a grin.