MIDFIELDER Brad Sewell says the Hawks are preparing for a challenging and physical contest against the Crows for a spot in the grand final on Saturday at the MCG.
While some are predicting the Hawks to easily account for the Crows, the Hawks midfielder says the Club isn’t subscribing to that theory.
“It’s not difficult to deal with, we don’t pay too much attention to it,” Sewell said of the media’s prediction at the Ricoh Centre on Monday.
“There’s no easy games in finals, let alone prelims.
“It’s going to be a big game.”
The Crows earned the right to take on the Hawks with a gritty 10-point win over Fremantle at AAMI Stadium on Friday night.
Hawthorn players watched the match together as a group to analyse their next opponent.
It enabled the hard-nosed midfielder to appreciate the Crows’ talent and undoubted ability that has held it in good stead and lead it to the right to play on preliminary final weekend.
“From watching their game on the weekend, they’ve got some match-winners across the board,” he said.
“You don’t end up at this stage of the season without being a quality side, and they’re no different.
“I rate them really highly.”
Adelaide spearhead Taylor Walker looms as the Hawks’ biggest threat, with the forward proving the match-winner against the Dockers.
The 194cm forward is the Crows’ leading goal kicker this season with 59, and was the Crows’ focal point on Friday night, booting five goals.
He poses a tough assignment for the Hawks defence, with defender Ryan Schoenmakers likely to be given the task.
Despite lining up on Kurt Tippett in Hawthorn’s Round 3 victory over Adelaide, Sewell says the fact both sides have changed leans towards a change in match-ups.
He says though, whoever gets the job is in for a tough night.
“Having watched them play over the weekend, it’ll be a long day for whoever has got him,” he said.
“I think Gibbo may have had him last time (but) it feels like such a long time ago that we actually played them.
“We’re a different side to a certain extent and so are they.”
Kate Salemme is a member of Hawthorn Football Club's Digital Media team reporting exclusively for hawthornfc.com.au from the Ricoh Centre.
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