GIANTS co-captain Phil Davis has lauded the work of his patched-up defence which has been extremely important in the club's three-match winning run. 

The GIANTS' backline has been without dasher Zac Williams, who has starred after moving into the midfield in recent weeks to plug a gap left by injured onballers Josh Kelly (calf), Stephen Coniglio (knee) and Matt de Boer (shoulder). 

Additionally, Sam Taylor, Adam Kennedy, Aidan Corr and Matt Buntine have all missed games in recent weeks.

Leon Cameron has been forced to use Lachie Keeffe, Jake Stein and last week's debutant Connor Idun to help defensive staples Davis, Heath Shaw and Nick Haynes, and the trio has rarely let him down.

They'll get another huge test this week against Hawthorn in Canberra. 

Young talls Mitchell Lewis (two) and Tim O'Brien kicked the Hawks’ first three goals against North Melbourne last week, with the experience of Luke Bruest, Jack Gunston and Paul Puopolo also a threat for the GIANTS on Friday night. 

"It's great to have a consistent back six, but unfortunately we've had to chop and change a bit down there," Davis said on Tuesday.

"We've had players come in and do their bit and they've been very versatile as well.

"That means we can really mix up our look, which is really important.

"You look at Hawthorn's first quarter last week and their big boys caused all sorts of dramas, then you throw in Luke Bruest and Jack Gunston, and Conor Nash is lightning quick.

"We'll have to be at our flexible best and flow with the game to get our match-ups right."

In positive news for the GIANTS, the backline could return to full-strength for the most important time of the year. 

Kennedy is back playing after his heart scare, while Corr and Matt Buntine will resume after this week's NEAFL bye.

Corr has managed just two games for the season due to calf issues, but should get at least three reserves games in to put his name up for selection during the finals.

The key defender is a vital part of the backline because he can play on opponents of all sizes and has outstanding leg speed.

Taylor (hamstring) isn't likely to play another game of the home-and-away season, but should also be ready for September action.

Davis said he's excited to see the numbers of fit backline personnel increasing, and he's made it well known that Williams' time as a midfielder will be coming to an end once Kelly, Coniglio and de Boer get back on the field.

"I'm pretty confident we'll get him back, I'm still lobbying for that one," he said with a laugh.

"He's doing a pretty good job and I'm happy to lease him out for a little bit longer."