HAWTHORN’S 88-point loss to the Western Bulldogs left Hawks midfielder Brad Sewell lost for words after the game.

The Bulldogs nine unanswered goals and 58-point first-quarter deficit was the worst in Hawthorn’s history, as the Bulldogs ran rampant.

“They were good early – they smashed us at the contested ball,” Sewell said.

“If you can’t win the ball, you haven’t got much hope.”

With the Bulldogs dominating the possession count 136 to 57 at quarter-time, they were also sensational at the stoppages in the first quarter, leading the clearances 15 to six.

The final tally read 43 to 25 in favour of the Bulldogs.

Sewell admitted the first-quarter performance of the Hawks shocked the players and coach Alastair Clarkson.

“Before the game, you certainly would not have predicted what we dished up, especially in that first quarter,” he said.

“He (Clarkson) was very controlled – I think like the players he wasn’t too sure what happened out there.”

With the club sitting just outside the eight before the match, Sewell said the team knew the importance of taking the four points to stay in finals contention.

But the loss means the Hawks have now won just six of their 14 games and sit 10th on the AFL ladder, behind Carlton on percentage.

“We were under no illusions of what hinged on this game,” he said.

“I didn’t think it was different to any other week, but obviously they came out and smashed us.”

With the reigning premiers now in danger of missing the finals, Sewell could not explain the Hawks poor form, but believes comparing last years’ performance to this years’ was unfair.

“Last year was last year – this year is a totally different year and we’re in a totally different position,” he said.

“So in terms of looking back and trying to find that form again, I’m not sure that’s appropriate.”

The Hawks now turn their focus to North Melbourne at Aurora Stadium next Sunday, with Sewell desperate to get back on the winners list to keep their finals aspirations alive.

“Every game has been a must-win for a while now,” he said.

“We must keep trying to find positives out of this game and look forward to the Kangaroos next week.”