SUMMARY
Hawthorn comes to Brisbane for the first time since 2008 and will be hell-bent on getting back in the winners' circle following the last start loss to the Sydney Swans. They face a Lions team that has lost five matches in succession and is under real pressure after copping 10-plus goal hidings from Port Adelaide, Collingwood and Melbourne in successive weeks. Aside from the humiliation against the Magpies a fortnight ago, the Lions have generally been super-competitive at home, running high-flyers North Melbourne and the Swans close. Despite doubts starting to creep in as they chase a historic fourth straight flag, the Hawks are sitting comfortably at 6-3 and should have few problems bullying the young Lions for another win here.
It's been a while since we've seen a smile on Leppa's dial. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Gabba, Saturday, May 28, 1.45pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R22, 2015, Hawthorn 21.8 (134) d Brisbane Lions 9.8 (62) at Aurora Stadium
R1, 2014, Hawthorn 21.13 (139) d Brisbane Lions 13.13 (91) at Aurora Stadium
R14, 2013, Hawthorn 21.17 (143) d Brisbane Lions 12.13 (85) at Aurora Stadium
R12, 2012, Hawthorn 19.21 (135) d Brisbane Lions 11.4 (70) at the MCG
R16, 2011, Hawthorn 16.9 (105) d Brisbane Lions 9.9 (63) at Aurora Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Hawthorn set up its win over Lions last time they played with a 10 goal second quarter and kicked 20 goals to five after quarter-time. Jack Gunston was best on ground with 24 disposals and four goals.
2. Hawthorn has dominated this fixture over a long period, winning the last six matches and nine of the last 10. Since 2010, its average winning margin is 60 points.
3. The Lions are ranked last for kicks a game, handballs, marks, uncontested possessions and 17th for contested marks. They are 15th for scoring with 77 points game.
4. It’s been a long time since Hawthorn last travelled to the Gabba - round five, 2008. They won by 12 points with Lance Franklin kicking eight goals. It's the Hawks' only win at the venue since 2000.
5. Under Justin Leppitsch the Lions have now won just 12 of 53 matches, kicking an average score of 71 points. They have lost by 50 point on more on 24 occasions.
6. Following 22 disposals, five tackles and one goal last week, Dayne Zorko is now on the verge of breaking into the top-10 in the Schick AFL Player Ratings. The Lions' vice-captain is now ranked a career-high 11th overall.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Justin Leppitsch
After three hidings from teams outside the top-eight in the past three weeks, the Lions coach desperately needs his team to respond. A showing like their previous home game against Collingwood would bring all sorts of external pressure.
PREDICTION: Hawthorn by 38 points
