Not only was it a chance to refresh after seven games, plus practice matches, it was also an opportunity to refocus and reset on the back of consecutive defeats.

After winning three of their first five games, the Hawks have dropped their past two to Golden Square (69 points) and Gisborne (16) to surrender their position in the top five.

"Being a young side and having played seven games and the practice matches, the bye last week was a good chance to refresh the mind and do a few different things to refocus the group on the way we want to play our footy," Eaglehawk coach Luke Monaghan said on Friday.

"We trained all through the break, but we were able to re-evaluate and personalise the goals for the individuals and hopefully, that will hold us in good stead moving forward."

The Hawks have included Bendigo Gold-listed Riley McIvor for Saturday's clash against Maryborough at Canterbury Park.

The Magpies are yet to win a game, but have had a knack in recent years of upsetting the Hawks.

"From what I've seen of them this year, they apply pressure as well as any side," Monaghan said.

"If you go in and you're off your game a little, I'm sure their confidence will grow and their players don't give in.

"They may be a winless side, but we certainly won't be taking them for granted."