Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge expects injured midfielder Brad Sewell to play a key role in the three tough matches before the AFL finals.

The Hawks have confirmed that Sewell will be out for three to four weeks after he suffered another hamstring injury early in Friday night’s upset loss to North Melbourne.

Sewell did not start the season until round 10 because of hamstring problems.

While Sewell is 30 and has suffered repeated hamstring injuries, Hodge is confident the veteran onballer will return before the finals and have a big impact.

Hodge noted that Hawthorn’s last three opponents before the finals will be Fremantle away, then arch-rivals Geelong and Collingwood.

“They’re all in-close, hard, physical games,” Hodge said on Channel Seven’s Game Day.

“Brad Sewell plays his best football when it’s an in-close, hard, physical game because that’s how he loves football.

“You’d never cross off someone like that – as soon as he gets his body right, I have no doubt he’ll be back.”

Hodge added that he had faith in his long-time teammate because he knows Sewell will prepare properly over the next month.

Also on Sunday, Sewell admitted to his frustration at this latest injury.

“It’s only really minor – it will end up being three to four weeks,” Sewell told AFL Live.

“But at this time of year, particularly with the makeup of our side, it’s the last thing we need.”

Also on Friday night, Bradley Hill was a last-minute withdrawal from the side because of knee soreness.

Hawthorn have had a shocking run of injuries, with Cyril Rioli missing Friday’s game because of a hamstring tendon injury that might end his season.