HAWTHORN midfielder Brad Sewell has played down the significance of past results against Geelong in the lead up to Friday night's huge clash between the clubs at the MCG.

The Hawks have lost their past eight clashes with the Cats, going back to the 2008 Grand Final.

Although he admitted the losing streak would be touched on this week, Sewell said it wouldn't be a focus.

"You go into a Geelong game knowing it's going to be a cracker," he said.

"It's going to be a hot game, a contested game, and there's going to be lots of pressure applied by both sides.

"From that point of view, we're certainly aware of it, but in terms of past results, they mean nothing.

"We can say as much as we want all week, and they're the same, but at the end of the day the result will tell the tale.

"We need it to go our way this time."

Despite trouncing Essendon by 94 points in round 18 and Collingwood by eight goals the week before, Sewell said the Hawks were yet to reach their peak.

"We're playing good footy, but I don't know if we're playing that well," the 28-year-old said.

"There are certainly aspects of our game that we're not happy with."

Coleman Medal leader Lance Franklin has now missed three weeks with a hamstring injury, but Sewell said he was no certainty to return against the Cats.

"Everything going well, he'll be a chance, I'm sure, but we've still got five games left before finals start, and … he'll play when he's ready," Sewell said.