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Final off limit for Hills

Final off limit for Hills

Last year's grand final is a no-go zone for Bradley and Stephen Hill, with the Hawthorn star saying he would never disrespect his older brother by discussing the match.

The Hills made history last year by becoming the first brothers in more than 100 years to play for opposing teams in a VFL-AFL grand final.

Hawthorn will unfurl their premiership flag before tomorrow night's clash with Fremantle at the MCG and the contest will put family bonds on hold yet again.

But Bradley said he always kept his grand final elation to himself instead of rubbing it in Stephen's face.

"We don't talk about the grand final," he said.

"It's pretty bad saying that to my brother after losing a grand final. It was a big game, so we don't speak about it.

"I haven't played on him since the grand final so it'll be good for the family again to watch the brothers.

"People play AFL to get to that last day in September. I was pretty lucky to get there. I look back and watch the game and it's an awesome feeling."

Stephen and Bradley were direct opponents several times throughout the grand final as their mum, Stephanie, watched from the grandstand.

Injuries and suspensions mean they will need to be at their best tomorrow night.

The Dockers accepted suspensions this week for Doig medallist Nat Fyfe and full-back Zac Dawson. A knee injury has ruled out midfielder Michael Barlow.

Star Hawks Luke Hodge and Sam Mitchell are battling groin and calf issues, with Hodge highly unlikely to play.

But the premiers could be boosted by the return of defender Ben Stratton and midfielder Brad Sewell, who have overcome hamstring strains. Fremantle haven't beaten Hawthorn since the 2010 elimination final, and haven't tasted victory against them outside Perth since 2001.

But Bradley said a grand final rematch meant the Dockers would be tough to beat.

"I'm pretty sure they're going to come out hard," he said.

"Obviously, with losing the grand final, they're going to be pretty upset.

"It'll be a tough and physical game."

At 20 years and 82 days, Bradley was the youngest player on the field in the grand final, but has become an important part of the Hawks' 2014 line-up.

Key forward Tim O'Brien has replaced him as Hawthorn's baby and with so many premiership players unavailable, Hill is passing on his knowledge to the fresh faces.

"I've played 30-odd games now," Hill said. "I didn't expect to play many games last year and didn't think I'd play in a grand final. I'm getting more confidence now and feel like I fit in.

"Having that extra pre-season means I can run out the games a bit better. I've been finding the ball a bit more lately."

It was a big game, so we don't speak about it."Bradley Hill