VETERAN Hawthorn midfielder Brad Sewell said a decision on his playing future would not be made until after the finals.

Sewell is an unrestricted free agent but is not looking beyond September as the Hawks mount a bid for consecutive premierships and their third flag in seven seasons.

"It will be a decision I make in due course," he told the AFL Record on the eve of his 200th game, the milestone to arrive in the qualifying final against Geelong at the MCG on Friday night.

"My body feels good. I have plenty of confidence in my body and my ability. We will work through things."

Sewell has played just nine games this year after suffering a hamstring strain in the final NAB Challenge game and then enduring two recurrences through the year.

"It's been a frustrating year. I’m needing some patience and perseverance," he said.

"But I certainly haven’t gone into a finals campaign feeling this good and fresh."

"The only reason we play is to play finals football. The 22 games before are just rehearsals and fine-tuning. They're just an extended pre-season."

The 30-year-old is a renowned big game player, regarded as a warrior by coach Alastair Clarkson and the Hawks need him firing in the finals.

In terms of selection, that reputation probably leaves him just ahead of similar midfielders available, including Will Langford and Jonathan Simpkin.

If Cyril Rioli is able to return later in the finals, one of those three might have to make way for the freakish forward.

"In terms of the make-up and dynamic of the group, my best football no doubt contributes to the side," Sewell said.

Of the clash with the Cats, Sewell suggested Hawthorn might be placing a bit more significance in the round 22 meeting a fortnight ago than Chris Scott. The Hawks won by 23 points after trailing by 31 at one stage in the third quarter.

"It’s important to beat any side you played this close to finals," he said. "I'm sure both sides took a bit out of that night. But it will take a four-quarter effort."

Sewell also believes the Hawks are tracking well in their bid for this year's premiership.

"We are in a better position than last year, but that said, the standard has gone up as well. We will need to play our best football to win."

Read the full interview with Brad Sewell in this week's AFL Record