With defence proving the Hawks biggest weakness in recent weeks the loss of their best defensive player for three of their last four games has had a noticeable impact.

Demos will miss Wednesday’s clash with the Kings with a niggling knee injury but has undergone cortisone injections in an effort to be fit for Saturday’s clash with Townsville.

Hawks captain Oscar Forman said his absence hasn’t gone unnoticed by his teammates.

‘‘We’re really missing Tyson,” Foreman said.

‘‘It’s probably understated how big his role in this team is and what he does bring.

‘‘Tyson brings that defensive grunt and is a guy who is willing to just do anything for the team.

‘‘He’s got a really special skill-set and we really need everyone chipping in a bit more to fill that gap.”