1. Charlie Cameron finally hauls one in
Did Charlie Cameron take Mark of the Year in the first few minutes of the game? It will surely be a contender. Running back deep in the Lions’ defensive 50m, Cameron leaped onto teammate Darcy Gardiner’s back to pluck a great two-handed screamer. It’s been a tough start to the season for the Gabba faithful this year with several narrow home losses, but Cameron has certainly provided Lions fans with plenty of highlights. This afternoon was no exception.
2. Lions restore pride with first win of the season
The Lions stormed home for their first win of 2018, finally capitalising on the promise they’ve shown several times in the first eight rounds. When the Hawks jumped out to a four-goal-to-one lead 10 minutes into the first quarter, it felt like the Lions – who have been the worst first-quarter team all year – might be jumped again. But from there they completely turned it around, bullying the Hawks in each subsequent quarter to run out 56-point winners. It was a morale-boosting, crowd-pleasing win for the home team.
3. Hodge haunts Hawks
Hodge was a talking point for this match ever since way back in October last year when he joined the Lions in a shock trade week move. After 305 games, four premierships and two Norm Smith medals with the Hawks, this was the first time Hodge lined up for the Lions against his former side. There wasn’t the fireworks many might have expected but Hodge continued his role as a steadying influence in the Lions’ back half, particularly lifting his intensity in the third quarter when the home side made its charge.
SHOWREEL Hodge prevails over his old mates
4. Hipwood leads from the front
In a game when many Lions stood tall, Hipwood’s four-goal effort was the cornerstone of the Lions’ win. The young key forward was a tough match-up for the Hawks’ defenders, winning several free kicks in dangerous positions. After a poor performance in front of goal last week, Hipwood made every shot at the big sticks count. On his heels for man of the match was Hugh McCluggage, who finished with a career-best 27 touches, plus the two Daynes – Zorko (30 disposals, 11 tackles) and Beams (28 disposals, two goals).
LIONS STUN HAWKS Full match coverage and stats
5. Hawks wasteful with forward entries
Last week coach Alastair Clarkson lamented his team’s ability to turn inside-50m dominance into a win, with the Hawks going down despite registering 62 inside 50s to the Swans’ 39. The Hawks were looking to be more ruthless with their forward entries in this game but it didn’t eventuate – narrowly beating the Lions 52 to 51 in the stat, but losing by 56 points. Gunston (four goals) and Roughead (two) battled well for the Hawks but strong games from Hipwood and Hodge curtailed the Hawks’ attacking potency.
