PACY midfielder Chance Bateman returns to the Hawks line-up this weekend after spending a frustrating fortnight on the sidelines nursing a calf injury.

The popular ball-getter is one of three inclusions for this week’s “home away from home” round four match against Geelong at Aurora Stadium in Launceston.

Bateman is joined in the 25-man squad by defensive duo, Josh “The Ice Man” Thurgood and Zac Dawson.

The West Australian has been named on a wing, with his former captain Shane Crawford on the other.

Dawson, Thurgood, Xavier Ellis, Brent Guerra, Ben McGlynn, Simon Taylor and Michael Osborne are named on an extended interchange.

Hawks General Manager, Football Operations Mark Evans said the club had adopted a cautious approach with Bateman’s niggling calf injury.

Bateman played in the opening round against Brisbane and was a late withdrawal from the round two match against Melbourne at the MCG.

“We almost played him the week before (against the Dees), but decided to play it safe with it (the injury),” Evans said.

“He trained the day before the game and he didn’t have that usual zip.

“We were surprised he didn’t come up the next week (against Kangaroos). He’s done all the pre-season, and he’s really keen to play, but we thought it was in his best interests to rest him.”

Hawthorn and Geelong players travel to Tasmania on Saturday, with both teams having light training sessions at Aurora Stadium.

Despite the Hawks promising early-season form, the Cats are $1.45 favourites to win their third game of the season.

Aurora, however, is a happy hunting ground for the brown and gold. Evans says the club is intent on making Aurora a graveyard for visiting teams.

“We really enjoy playing in Tassie. It’s a terrific surface. Over time, the more wins we have the better it will be,” Evans said.

The Hawthorn v Geelong match is at 1.10pm on Sunday.