SENIOR Hawthorn midfielder Brad Sewell says it was confronting to be dropped, but he is confident he can still be a key player in the Hawks' premiership campaign. 

Sewell was left out of the Hawks' 22 to play Port Adelaide in round 16 before earning a late reprieve one week later when Sam Mitchell (illness) was withdrawn for the clash against the Western Bulldogs.

He was a strong contributor, winning 24 possessions in the 45-point win in Launceston.

"My form hadn't been great and we're in a good position at the moment [so] I was left out," the 29-year-old told Fox Footy's AFL 360 on Tuesday night.

"It was a tough week. It was a shocking week.

"Then having to come in and speak about it as well, it's really confronting."

Sewell, who played in last year's Grand Final and was a key member of the Hawks' 2008 premiership team, said he was confident he could cement his spot as finals approach.

He backed his ability to perform on the September stage. 

"I've got no doubt in my ability to be able to perform at that level, absolutely," he said.

"I've played at it for years and years and physically there's no reason why it can't continue for the next few years to come.

"In those big games [I've] got a good record. I've got a good record in finals, and there's no reason why that won't continue."

 Nathan Schmook is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter @AFL_Nathan