HAWTHORN midfielder Jordan Lewis says he expects star forward lance Franklin to bounce back from his disappointing 2.7 return last week.

Franklin's poor kicking cost Hawthorn the win against Port Adelaide and a spot inside the top eight, but Lewis said Franklin would deliver in Saturday's do-or-die clash against St Kilda, especially as he will have the added motivation of playing in his 100th game.

“I think Buddy always plays well in big games,” Lewis said at Waverley Park on Tuesday.

“He was a little bit inaccurate on the weekend, which probably hurts him a little bit but he always plays well down in Tasmania and fortunately enough this week we play down there."

The club has started to be criticised for being too Franklin-conscious in recent games, but Lewis denied this was the case.

The Hawks always sought the best available option inside their forward 50, according to Lewis.

Over the past couple of weeks several players have chosen to pass off to Franklin despite being clear to take a shot at goal themselves.

But Lewis said the team tried to utilise all of their options when going forward.

“We use a lot of our forwards,” Lewis said.

“Roughie gets his fair share of shots on goal and I think Buddy just probably played a lot deeper last week which meant he was probably the key focus for us.

"I think we’ve got a lot more options and I think a few midfield goals would probably contribute to a win as well."

While Hawthorn's finals chances have been hurt by a one-point loss to Geelong and a missed opportunity against Port Adelaide last Sunday, the team is still hopeful it can make the eight.

Lewis said a win this week was essential if the side wanted to keep its season alive.

“Coming off a disappointing loss to Port Adelaide we really want to match ourselves against the best team in the competition," Lewis said.

“It’s probably a do-or-die game for us against the best team in the competition and what better place to do it than in Tassie, where we’re comfortable with the surroundings."