Watch Alastair Clarkson's post-match press conference in the player above.

ALONGSIDE the superb five-goal comeback from captain Luke Hodge in a thumping of Essendon that coach Alastair Clarkson described as "beyond our wildest dreams", was the solid return of Max Bailey.

The 206cm ruckman, who injured his wrist in the NAB Cup, pleased Clarkson with his effort in his first game of the season.

Bailey was a late inclusion after David Hale withdrew with a bruised foot.

With Hale set to be available next week and Jarryd Roughead continuing to perform well alternating between forward and the ruck, Clarkson now has a wealth of tall options at his disposal.

"It's been one of the few times in my time at Hawthorn that we've had three genuine options in the ruck," Clarkson said.

"We'll just play it as we see fit, depending on opposition and depending on the availability of those three."

But he said it was "unlikely" that all three would play together, particularly once Coleman Medal leader Lance Franklin comes back from his hamstring strain.

"If 'Bud' (Franklin) returns as well, we'd be bringing in some dinosaurs if we bring in two guys that are around 200cm," Clarkson said.

After disposing of one rival, the Hawks will now front up immediately against another.

They face Geelong at the MCG next Friday night, a team they haven't beaten since the 2008 Grand Final.

Clarkson said it was time to break the eight-game losing streak, but conceded it wouldn't be easy.

"They've been a great side for a long period of time, and as we saw with their form last week against the Bombers, they played really well," he said.

"We'll address them on Tuesday or Wednesday next week, and review the Essendon game for a start.

"But it's going to be a big challenge for us, and it'll be a big game of footy."