A stirring win over Geelong has given Hawthorn the belief they can go with the AFL's best.
Now they are determined to show their Easter Monday heroics weren't a one-off -- and for defender Josh Battle, there's no better chance to do so than facing the unbeaten Western Bulldogs.
The Hawks underlined their quality and grit in Monday's thrilling one-point victory over the Cats.
"It's probably one of the best wins I've been a part of," Battle told AAP in the rooms.
"It gives us a lot of belief. We're super confident in the way we play, and our brand of footy can stack up against the best.
"But to beat Geelong, they've been on top of the game for a long time, so I think that'll give us a lot of confidence."
There was little time to breathe and soak in the victory before turning thoughts to a fresh test - a blockbuster clash with the Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.
But Battle isn't shying away from that challenge.
"Super excited. These are the games you want to be a part of, obviously, to test ourselves," Battle said.
"If we want to be the best, we need to beat the best
"So we look forward to the challenge."
The Bulldogs' multi-pronged forward line, headlined by Sam Darcy and Aaron Naughton, will give Battle and his fellow defenders plenty to think about.
Battle, 193cm, was more than happy to pass off the daunting task of handling 208cm marking machine Darcy over to teammate Tom Barrass (197cm).
"Sam Darcy's a monster," Battle said with a laugh.
"So I think he's probably one for TB. But that'll be a good contest, I'm really looking forward to it."
An All-Australian last year in his first season at the Hawks, Battle is still feeling on top of the world after agonising over whether to leave St Kilda at the end of 2024.
"It's an amazing club here," the defender said.
"It was a big decision, obviously, to leave, but absolutely loving my time here.
"The people here are amazing, and I think, to pursue excellence and be the best version of myself, this is a great place to be."
The Bulldogs are without star midfielder ruckman Tim English (knee) and forward Arty Jones (hamstring) but have named Ed Richards to return while big man Louis Emmett will debut.
Harvey Gallagher and Cooper Hynes replace Lachie McNeil (omitted) and Lachie Jaques (managed)
Hawthorn have named James Sicily and Jack Gunston to play after injury scares and will regain Karl Amon and Cam Mackenzie while Jack Scrimshaw (managed) and Jack Dalton (omitted) make way.
