Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge says his club won't make that mistake as they seek their first win over Geelong in 12 meetings in Friday night's preliminary final.
The Hawks are hot favourites to break the streak, after an impressive qualifying final win over Sydney and a weekend off, while the Cats' finals form has been patchy.
But Hodge says Hawthorn is going to have to come up with something new.
"Going into finals we have to do something different," the Hawks' skipper told the Nine Network's Sunday Footy Show.
"People say they've been good games between Geelong and ourselves.
"We don't see it that way.
"We need to change up a little bit, make sure that on the night when it gets tough in the tight situations that we come out on top."
Of the Cats' 11 straight wins against Hawthorn, nine have been by single-figure margins, including this season's previous two meetings.
Geelong will enter Friday night's match needing to lift after losing to Fremantle in their opening final, then taking a half to get going before notching a comeback win over Port Adelaide on Friday night.
But Hodge said the Cats showed in the third term against Port, when they quickly erased a 23-point lead, that their best is still very good.
"Geelong, that first 15 minutes shows what they're capable of doing, especially in September," he said.
"It's going to be a hot game Friday night."
Geelong's Jared Rivers (ankle) is under an injury cloud, while Paul Chapman is in danger of being suspended over a high bump.
But Hodge said the Hawks won't take any comfort if the Cats lose players, as they'll have replacements who can play a useful role.
Hawthorn is set to regain Lance Franklin from suspension and Cyril Rioli from an ankle injury, with Rioli expected to train on Tuesday.
"It's going to be unlucky for a couple of guys, because out of everyone who played last week, everyone did their role and it's going to be a tough decision for the coaches," Hodge said.
