ESSENDON's players will face Hawthorn this week unconcerned about the premiership fancy's recent form, but fuelled by a desire to end a five-year losing streak, says midfielder Jake Melksham.

The Bombers haven't beaten the Hawks since round six, 2010, meaning a number of Dons haven't tasted victory against one of the club's fiercest rivals.

Despite the Hawks' impressive win against Geelong on Monday, Melksham said the Bombers were confident they could match it with the defending premiers after falling 12 points short of the Sydney Swans on Saturday.

"The Hawks were pretty impressive [on Monday] but we're worried about what we're going to do this week and won't stress out about what they're going to do too much," Melksham said on Thursday.

"We took it right up to Sydney on the weekend and they played in the Grand Final against Hawthorn, so there's no reason why we can't do that this week. 

"I've never beaten Hawthorn since I've been at the club and it's my sixth year.

"Five years, it's been awhile and I think most times we've played them they've beaten us pretty easily, so we're looking forward to it."

Melksham said the Bombers had been let down by not putting in a four-quarter effort against the Hawks in the past, in what have been some spirited and physical encounters.

He also said he didn't think the Hawks' 62-point defeat of the Cats was evidence that the premiers had already gone to another level.

"I don't think so. I think Geelong had a bit of an off day as well - Geelong are a better side than what they showed on Monday," he said.

This week is the first the Bombers have been able to prepare for a game without the burden of the ASADA situation, after last Tuesday's not guilty verdict from the Anti-Doping Tribunal.

Melksham said the players had already appreciated the freedom that came from the resolution, as well as a light week on the track following Saturday's wet and physical game. 

"Last week, we had a lot on our plate, that's for sure," he said. 

“This week's been a lot easier because we've just been coming to and from training.

“We’re back in the normal life like we were two years ago so it's good."

Veteran forward Jason Winderlich (back) has been added to the Bombers' long-term injury list with former Adelaide tall Shaun McKernan upgraded in his place. 

"[McKernan] provides a lot for versatility for us, he can play in the ruck, he can play at either end of the ground as well so he'll certainly add something to the group if he does play," Melksham said. 

Melksham also backed ruckman Tom Bellchambers to face the Hawks despite pulling up sore after the Swans' loss.