HAWTHORN will be looking to reverse its form against Geelong this week, a side it hasn't beaten since the 2008 grand final two years ago.

Midfielder Chance Bateman said his side had an okay track record against the Cats, but despite a number of close calls they needed to start winning.

"Clarko (coach Alastair Clarkson) touched on it straight after Friday night, since the grand final we haven't beaten them so our record is not that great against them," Bateman said.

"They've had it over us since that day and we'll be looking to get one back this weekend."

The Hawks take on the reigning premiers after a nail-biting win over the Western Bulldogs on Friday night.

Bateman says the intense encounter was the perfect lead-up to this week’s game.

“You want those really tough tight contests because you know that’s what Geelong will bring to the table," Bateman said. "They are really physical tough hard-running games.

"It’s a perfect lead-up against the Doggies and we’ll be looking forward to coming up against the Cats this week.

There could be some big inclusions for Hawthorn this week, with Bateman acknowledging that both Josh Gibson and Campbell Brown were strong chances to return from injury.

Gibson has not played at senior level since badly injuring his hamstring in the round three clash with the Bulldogs.

“He played again in the VFL on the weekend and I’ve seen him this morning. He said he was travelling pretty well and he feels pretty comfortable in his body. I think he’ll be up for selection this week,” Bateman said.

Brown is also not far off after missing last week with knee soreness.

“I don’t think he’ll find it too difficult to get back into the side," Bateman said. "As soon as his body’s right and he’s 100 per cent he’s a pretty handy player for us so I think we can slot him straight in.

“We love the way Campbell goes about his footy. It doesn’t matter who we’re playing against, we’d love having him in the side.

"I’ve spoken to him this morning and he said he had a really good running session over the weekend and that the knee feels good so hopefully he’s an inclusion this week.”