HAWTHORN'S star midfielder Chance Bateman has declared that "near enough isn't good enough" as his side reviews its close call with Geelong last Friday night.

Hawthorn lost by 11 points but could have clinched victory if not for some wasted opportunities.

"Near enough isn't good enough for us any more," Bateman said on Tuesday.

"Friday night showed us that we've still got a lot of work to do before we can really become one of the premier sides in the competition."

But Bateman didn't ignore the positives from a valiant Hawks' performance.

"One of the positives we can take out of the game is that the reason we lost had a lot to do with things we can control," he said.

"Our skill level wasn't up to scratch on the night and some pretty costly turnovers in the end cost us the game. Our endeavour and our pressure was right up there, and as good as Geelong's was."

Bateman is part of a talented engine room at the Hawks, but one that often hasn't been fully manned this year.

The midfield has been without key figures such as Shane Crawford (suspension and knee tendonitis), Brad Sewell (shoulder), Luke Hodge (suspension and hamstring) and Bateman himself (quad injury) at different times.

But Bateman believed the absences may have been a blessing in disguise.

"It's been a little frustrating but at the same time it's given a lot of younger guys the opportunity to play footy as well and gain some experience," he said.

"Now leading into finals it gives us a great opportunity for all of us to play together and hopefully get some good form."

While this weekend's clash with Collingwood presents the young Hawks with another opportunity to perform on the big stage, Bateman is wary of a Magpies side on the rebound.

"Collingwood are very experienced at playing in front of those crowds, so they don't get overawed at all.

"They're going to be looking to redeem themselves after their loss to Essendon at the weekend."