Hawthorn Coach Alastair Clarkson has suggest Jaeger O'Meara is a likely inclusion ahead of the side's clash with Richmond on Thursday night.

O'Meara missed the Hawks' season restart against Geelong due to a minor fracture in his forehead.

Clarkson said the midfielder's return couldn't come at a better time for a midfield group that was soundly beaten by the Cats in Round 2.

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"On the back of last week's performance, he's going to be pretty important," Clarkson said.

"We got smacked around the ball last week and we know we need to be a lot better in that space.

"But that wasn't just personnel either, a lot of that was to do with method and intent.

"So, whether Jaeger returns or not, we'd expect our resolve in that part of the ground needs to be stronger than what it was especially in the second half against Geelong."

Clarkson said he had confidence in the side to redeem its performance from last week. 

"Whenever you get a fair licking like we did last week in the second half, these guys are proud players and I'd expect some sort of response.

"We need the response to be fair, we're coming up against the premiers from last year and the most dominant side of the last three years.

"If we're not strong in that space then we're in for a pretty horror night."