'Been doubting them all year': Hawthorn form 'changing minds' amid surprise flag hunt

Nathan Brown has come around on Hawthorn and now believes they can win the premiership this season, even if they don't finish inside the top four.

The Hawks currently sit seventh on the ladder, with Melbourne and Brisbane (away) to finish the season, but a win next week will secure them a top eight spot thanks to their smashing of Collingwood on Thursday night.

It has been a tumultuous season for the Hawks, who at stages have looked likely to be the unlucky side that would finish ninth.

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However, they appear to be hitting form at the right stage of the season, and the former Richmond star believes they have what it takes to win it all.

"They look hungry to me. I've been doubting Hawthorn all year," Brown told Nine's Sunday Footy Show.

"They've got momentum behind them. They've won seven of their last nine.

"Yes they don't have Will Day, but I've changed my mind. I think Hawthorn can now win the flag. They don't want for anything, other than that Will Day midfielder. At either end, I think they're set.

"(The four tall forwards), it is working at the moment, James Sicily is playing as good as you'll see, since he's had that little bit of time off.

"I think they can win the flag. I haven't thought that all year, but I'm looking at the Hawks now, and I think they have momentum. Even if they don't finish in the top four."

This season has been the most even in AFL history for the top nine teams, with only one win separating first and eighth on the ladder, assuming the Western Bulldogs win against the Demons to close out round 22.

Finishing the season with successive wins could see the Hawks squeeze into the top four if results go their way. Two losses, and they will probably miss the eight altogether.