hawthorn v geelong

Hawthorn midfielder Brad Sewell says string of losses to Geelong mean nothing ahead of round 19 clash
By Sam Lienert AAP July 30, 2012 3:43PM


Over it ... Brad Sewell rues Hawthorn's fadeout against Geelong in round two. Source: Wayne Ludbey / Herald Sun
Experienced Hawthorn midfielder Brad Sewell says the Hawks won't carry any psychological scars into the AFL finals even if they lose to Geelong for a ninth straight time on Friday night.

The Hawks are the AFL's in-form side, on an eight-match winning streak after annihilating Essendon last Friday night.

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But they have lost all eight games they have played against the Cats since beating them in the 2008 grand final.

That included a defeat in round two this season when Geelong came back from three goals down at the last change, a pattern typical of the sides' clashes in recent years.


But Sewell said even if the Cats again burst the Hawks' form bubble at the MCG on Friday night, it would count for nothing if they meet again in September.



"Once you get to finals it's a different ball game regardless of who you're playing," Sewell said on Monday.

"Past results in matches and games gone by mean nothing.

"That's the case for every game week on week regardless of what's happened in the past.

"Your actions will be judged in accordance to that night or that game."

Sewell said the Hawks felt their best was good enough to beat anyone, but he expected the Cats would be feeling the same way.

Geelong have beaten top-eight sides Essendon and Adelaide in the past two rounds.

Sewell said skipper Luke Hodge had pulled up well after returning from a long absence with a knee injury to kick five goals against the Bombers.

But the club is unsure whether star forward Lance Franklin will make his return from a hamstring injury against the Cats.




http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-premiership/hawthorn-midfielder-brad-sewell-says-string-of-losses-to-geelong-mean-nothing-ahead-of-round-19-clash/story-e6frf3e3-1226438738248