HAWTHORN small forward Michael Osborne expects his team to use last year's elimination final loss to Fremantle as motivation in Sunday's meeting between the sides at the MCG.

The Hawks carried an injured Luke Hodge into the match and then lost Cyril Rioli to a hamstring strain in the early stages, and were totally outplayed by a fired-up home team.

Osborne expects the Hawks to use the lessons learned from that 30-point loss this week.

"They beat us in the final last year, so hopefully we can beat them on our home soil," Osborne said.

"It was disappointing that we lost that game.

"I think our work-rate was what cost us that game, so we'll try and address that and fix those things up."

The 7-2 Hawks sit in third spot on the ladder after Sunday's 29-point victory over the Western Bulldogs, and Osborne believes the pressure for spots in the team's best 22, created by the good form of new faces such as Paul Puopolo, Liam Shiels and Shane Savage, is keeping his senior teammates sharp.

Hawthorn made no changes to the side that beat the Sydney Swans at the SCG in Round 9, with 2008 premiership heroes Xavier Ellis, Clinton Young and Rick Ladson unable to break into a winning line-up.

"The young guys coming through are getting a chance and making the most of their opportunity," Osborne said.

"Their enthusiasm when they get out there is really great and it keeps some of the other boys on their toes.

"There's pressure for selection and guys are getting games on their merits, which is a good way to have it and keeps everyone honest."

Despite now sitting six points clear of fifth-placed Essendon, the lively forward said the Hawks won't be distracted by thoughts of the finals just yet.

"I think every club wants to get in the top four and give themselves the best chance in the finals, but … we'll just take it as it comes for the rest of the year," he said.

Hard-running midfielder Chance Bateman was substituted early in Sunday's win with an ankle injury and had scans on Monday morning.

Osborne said he expects Bateman to be fit to face Fremantle.

Mark Macgugan covers Hawthorn news for afl.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @mmacgugan.