Hawthorn will rely on a bolstered defence to clamp down on AFL ladder leaders Geelong at the MCG on Sunday.

The Cats are the highest-scoring team in the league this season and booted 17 goals in a 23-point win over the Hawks back in round five.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said any repeat of that on Sunday would end in another loss for his 11th-placed side.

“That’s why they’re on top of the ladder because the two greatest score sources are scoring from turnovers and stoppages and they’re very strong in both,” Clarkson told reporters on Friday.

“But we’ve been pretty good at that; the last three games we’ve kept teams to an average of eight or nine goals, so that will be really tested this week.

“That’s what we’re looking forward to, seeing whether our defensive actions will stand up against probably the most potent opposition in the competition.”

Hawthorn’s back six will be better equipped this time with the return of rebounding defender Grant Birchall, who averages 27 possessions against Geelong.

Captain Ben Stratton was also concussed in that previous meeting.

“I don’t know whether the conditions on Sunday will be conducive to free flowing like it was in round five,” said Clarkson.

“They won by just under four goals, we kicked 13 goals ourselves, so it was a good contest. But if they kick 17 goals again, they’re more than likely going to win again.

“So, we’ve got to stop them scoring and the best way to do that is use the ball a bit better and not give them so many chances.”

Clarkson admitted the recent rivalry with Geelong does “excite you” as much as the big occasion.

“There’s going to be anywhere between 60,000 and 80,000 at the MCG – big opponent, great stadium and the players enjoy the contest,” he said.

“That’s why the clashes have always had a bit of spice because there has always been so much on the line.

“We have tested ourselves against some pretty good opposition over the last three weeks … but this will be a big test for us to see where we’re at.”