Gun midfielder Jai Newcombe isn't reading into Hawthorn's alarming interstate record in recent years, with the Hawks dialling in their efforts on upsetting the GWS Giants at ENGIE Stadium next Saturday afternoon.
Excluding their games in Tasmania, the Hawks' interstate win-loss record stands at three wins and 10 losses over the past two seasons, and the club hasn't registered a victory at Sydney Showground Stadium in eight attempts, though admittedly they haven't played at the venue since 2023, where the Giants held on in a 13-point thriller.
Instead, Newcombe, who will play his milestone 100th game in the 1st Elimination Final, will take lessons from those losses in his stride, believing his side has shown that they are "more than good enough to win" interstate.
"We're set really well. We've been playing top order sides over the last six weeks, and we've been more than competitive in all of those games," Newcombe told media on Saturday.
"Our game is in good shape and we're really looking forward to taking it to the Giants on the weekend.
"I wouldn't say [the interstate record] is that much of a speed bump to be honest. We've been playing in close games all the time. Obviously, the losses have been outside of Victoria, but I wouldn't be reading too deeply into that.
"We've been more than competitive, shown that we're more than good enough to win at those places, so we'll be looking to do the same."
Newcombe has arguably been Hawthorn's most dominant midfield force in 2025, averaging 22.4 disposals and an equal career-best 5.9 clearances per game. He will face the elite talents of Tom Green and Finn Callaghan in the first week of September, however; a challenge he and his teammates are eager to prove themselves against.
"Finn Callaghan with his outside run is very damaging against all teams in the competition and you know what you're going to get from Tom Green on the inside," Newcombe said.
"They've been super impressive all year, it's a good challenge for us but I think we're more than capable of taking it up to them.
"The Giants are a quality outfit, I feel like our last handful of games against them there's only been a couple of kicks in it, so it's always a strong contest.
"They've got key guys in all areas of the ground. We've got to be sharp and on our toes. We're looking forward to another close game."
On the cusp of a return to the senior side is speedy half-back Josh Weddle, with the 21-year-old's dash looming as a major boost for the Hawks' September hopes if he gets back to full health in time.
Weddle impressed while playing in the VFL Finals on Saturday, collecting 12 disposals and four marks after taking to the field in the second half. Newcombe noted the importance his return could have for Hawthorn, especially as the Giants also look to bring back a number of stars off their injury list for the blockbuster clash.
"Weddle is a quality athlete for his size and the way he moves, he's pretty hard to stop," Newcombe said.
"The run that he generates off half-back for us is massive for us getting the ball in our front half and being able to keep it there."
Last time these teams met, Hawthorn walked away with a 12-point victory, with Weddle and Newcombe each kicking a goal to go along with their 20-disposal efforts, highlighting the damage the pair could make during Saturday's fixture.
Newcombe and the Hawks will take on GWS in the do-or-die elimination final on Saturday, September 5, with first bounce at 3:15pm (AEST).
