SUMMARY
Surely a missed fixturing opportunity by the AFL here by not having Luke Hodge return to the MCG to take on the Hawks in front of 40,000 fans who used to idolise him. Still, the former Hawks skipper seemed to enjoy beating his former team when the sides clashed earlier this year at the Gabba, and the Hawks will be desperate to regain the bragging rights. The Lions like to keep the scoreboard ticking and in Eric Hipwood have one of the form forwards of the competition, so it will be a big test for the Hawk defenders, who have been in good nick themselves. Hawthorn kicked a season-high 123 points last week and if it means their forward line has finally clicked into gear then a return to the finals becomes a distinct chance. Alastair Clarkson’s men can smell September and should get the job done at their beloved second home in their last Launceston game for 2018.
WHERE AND WHEN: University of Tasmania Saturday, July 14, 1.45pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R9, 2018, Brisbane Lions 20.9 (129) d Hawthorn 11.7 (73) at the Gabba
R8, 2017, Hawthorn 17.11 (113) d Brisbane Lions 11.9 (75) at University of Tasmania Stadium
R10, 2016, Hawthorn 21.9 (135) d Brisbane Lions 13.9 (87) at the Gabba
R22, 2015, Hawthorn 21.8 (134) d Brisbane Lions 9.8 (62) at University of Tasmania Stadium
R1, 2014, Hawthorn 21.13 (139) d Brisbane Lions 13.13 (91) at University of Tasmania Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Brisbane won its first game of the season by defeating Hawthorn in round nine. The Lions dominated the second half booting 11 goals to four, including seven to two in the final quarter.
2. The Lions have played some high-scoring football this season averaging 82 points per game, they’ve kicked 100 points in a game four times and their three wins have all been by more than 50 points.
3. Brisbane’s win in round nine ended a long losing streak against the Hawks, Hawthorn had won the previous eight matches. The Lions haven’t won consecutive clashes with Hawthorn since 2006-07.
4. The Hawks are one of the most accurate teams in front of goal this season operating at 51.4 per cent ahead of the Lions in eighth at 47 per cent. Hawthorn has kicked 196 goals and Brisbane 179.
5. A win for the Lions and it will be the first time since rounds 15-17, 2013 they will win three games in a row; Hawthorn has won consecutive games three times already this season.
6. Dayne Zorko of the Lions is the No.3-listed midfielder in the Schick AFL Player Ratings.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Ben McEvoy’s busted cheekbone comes at a bad time for the Hawks as they push for the finals. He has given the Hawthorn midfield great service all year. Still, Jonathon Ceglar has long been preparing to be the No.1 ruckman at the Hawks and with Stef Martin in great touch for the Lions he faces a big test first up.
PREDICTION: Hawthorn by 10 points
