HAWTHORN captain Richie Vandenberg will lead a trio of impressive returns for Hawthorn's AFL match next Saturday against arch-rival Essendon.
Hawks utility Campbell Brown said Vandenberg, Trent Croad and Joel Smith were likely starters for the MCG game, while Chance Bateman should also recover in time from the calf muscle injury he suffered during Sunday's loss to the Western Bulldogs.
Vandenberg is yet to play this regular season because of a hamstring injury.
"The game was definitely there to be won, and had we won yesterday we would have been in a fantastic position at 4-1," Brown said of the Bulldogs' defeat.
"It was a little bit frustrating the way we let the opportunities slip like that, but in saying that, all the stats ... were really good.
"We know that we get a few blokes back this week - Trent Croad, Richard Vandenberg, Joel Smith - a bit of experience in the side, maybe that will help.
"You always want your captain out there, he's definitely going to be right to play.
Brown added Bateman's absence from the field late in Sunday's game was more a precaution.
"He missed a couple with a calf and he's come back, there was nothing too much wrong with him, we just didn't want to risk him in that second half," he said.
"He felt a little bit of tightness, but I think he'll definitely be right for this week."
The Bulldogs ended Hawthorn's three-game winning streak with the 17-point win.
Brown said the loss was frustrating, but added there were some positive signs.
The Hawks matched or beat the Bulldogs in some statistics, but poor kicking for goal in particular proved costly.
Brown went forward in the last term and kicked a goal, a rare foray ahead of centre for the backman.
He had done well on Bulldogs captain Brad Johnson before the move.
Unlike many defenders, Brown said he preferred not to go forward.
"I'm the type of player who needs to be given a role - when I'm a given a role on a player, I just like to do my job," he said.
"I find it easier to get into the game that way (rather) than play forward, do my own thing and run around."
Brown also admitted he was keenly anticipating the clash with the Bombers.
The tough defender has had some notable physical clashes with Essendon opponents in the last few seasons.
"What's happened over the last few years has probably built that rivalry up even more.
"We've beaten them the last couple of times, so I'm sure they'll be looking forward to playing us and getting a win back.
"I know the Essendon club doctor (Bruce Reid) and Kevin Sheedy pretty well, so I like to lift for the Essendon game."
