The Bombers will play in the state for premiership points for the first time since 1992 in Sunday's sold-out blockbuster against old rivals Hawthorn at Launceston's UTAS Stadium, with COVID protocols meaning it is a fly-in, fly-out affair.

While players are getting used to that aspect, the fact Essendon, which is 11th on the ladder with a 5-7 record and an outside chance of playing finals, has never played at UTAS Stadium, a venue where 17th placed Hawthorn has a dominant record, is another challenge.

"But it will be an exciting challenge,'' Langford said.

"We know it is a big ground with a beautiful surface and the weather is going to be pretty good, so whatever Hawthorn throws up, we will take it up to them."

He said the players were excited for the opportunity to be able to play in front of their Tasmanian fans, with an extra level of excitement for him after learning about the fact the contest was a sell-out.

Sunday will be the first meeting between the two sides since their round one thriller, which the Bombers lost by a point after being up by 40.

While getting one back on an old rival would bring a smile to Langford's face, the disappointment of that earlier result has been replaced by the positives it delivered.

"That game probably has shaped our season,'' Langford admitted.

"It was a game of two halves and what we learnt out of that game as a young group has really helped us grow in the first half of the season.

"We have seen since in patches throughout the year we don't often cough it up, and if we are down we are charging towards the end.

"For us this is another game and we will just try to get better and try to perform the way we want to perform and outplay the opposition."

Langford said the key against the Hawks would taking their time moving forward against a Hawthorn outfit that holds its defensive numbers back well.

It has been a big week for Essendon after star midfielder Zach Merrett re-signed with the club for six years, news that not surprisingly brought a smile to Langford's face.

"Over the last six months, we have changed our culture a fair bit and he has seen the growth among the group and we have a really cohesive group and a group that really wants to succeed and grow together,'' he said.

"Zach as a senior player can obviously see that and believes in it and that gives me a lot of belief and no doubt that will give our other players belief going forward."

Langford, 24, has played 93 matches for the Bombers and has been one of the reasons Essendon has been able to get itself back on the right track under coach Ben Rutten after tough times recently.

With the versatility to play as an inside or outside midfielder, up forward or even as a pinch-hit ruckman, the 191cm Langford is averaging 21.2 disposals, 6.2 marks, 2.8 tackles and 1.6 clearances, and has also kicked 9.3 for the year.

"Every week is different for me,'' he said.

"But I take that in my stride and I just go out there and try to play some footy.

"Once a game starts anything can happen, they might need another forward or a midfielder to come in, but that has been one of my strengths, my versatility, and the acceptance to play wherever I am needed."

Tasmanian Andrew Phillips has been named an emergency for the 3.20pm clash.

As well as Phillips, another Tasmanian influence at the club is ruck coach Thomas Bellchambers.

Essendon made five changes, with Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Devon Smith, Ned Cahill, Peter Wright and Sam Draper into the side.

Andrew McGrath, Alec Waterman and David Zaharakis are injured, Aaron Francis is taking some time away from the club to deal with his mental health and Phillips has been omitted.

For the Hawks, James Cousins and first-gamer Lachlan Bramble are in, with Harry Morrison injured, James Worpel suspended and Josh Morris omitted.