Hawthorn has decided not to offer dual premiership midfielder Brad Sewell a new contract.
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Fairfax Media was told on Saturday that Sewell would not be at the club in 2015. It's understood the club has explained to the bruising on-baller the need for the likes of Will Langford, Mitch Hallahan and Alex Woodward to be given more senior game time next season. Even if Sewell had played well in the VFL his opportunities at senior level would be limited.
Sewell is expected to be given a rousing send-off at Saturday night's best and fairest count at Crown.
It's understood Sewell, 30, will explore playing on next year. Fairfax Media understands he met with North Melbourne chairman James Brayshaw in a South Yarra restaurant on Wednesday but it is unclear what the discussions were about.
Sewell, who was an unrestricted free agent, was overlooked for the Hawks' grand-final victory over the Swans last weekend, admitting to mixed emotions after the game.
He played only the 10 senior matches this season because of hamstring issues, with his last match - also his 200th - in the qualifying final win over Geelong.
Sewell played an integral role in the emergence of the Hawks under coach Alastair Clarkson. A 2003 rookie draft selection, he was the 2007 best and fairest and finished second in 2012, when he most likely would have won the Norm Smith medal had the Hawks defeated the Swans in the grand final.
He also played a major role in refocusing the side after the disappointment of that losing grand final.
In journalist Michael Gordon's book about the Hawks' 2013 premiership, Playing to Win: The Inside Story of Hawthorn's Journey To An 11th Premiership, Sewell spoke about his role in the side.
"Everyone brings different attributes to the side, and if you're not exceptional in one area, you're not going to be an AFL player," he explained.
"For me, it's hunting the ball and intensity around the contest, and if I'm not doing that well, other guys can come in and play that role. You need to have the strong inside mids (mid-fielders), if you like. They're the guys that have as big an influence as any come September, and we're fortunate we've got three or four guys who have the ability to play that role.
"You genuinely have to enjoy the contest, the fight and the physicality of it, but for me as much as anything it's quite simple: if I'm not doing that, I'm not getting a game. So I guess there is an element of fear in it. You want to play footy for as long as you can at the highest level, and the only way I'm going to be doing that is if I'm contesting the ball in close, in stoppages and clearances and tackles and all those little things."
The Kangaroos appear to be in premiership mode, having secured Jarrad Waite from Carlton and Shaun Higgins from the Western Bulldogs via free agency. Sewell would provide another hardened body, if the Roos were interested.
- The Age
