Where and when: MCG, Sunday March 22, 3.35pm AEDT

Last time they met: University of Tasmania Stadium, round 19, 2019: Hawthorn 7.18 (60) lost to Brisbane 13.9 (87) 

TV and online: Click here for broadcast guide 

What it means for Hawthorn: There are varied opinions on the Hawks' list, but most agree they're a fringe finals contender rather than a flag fancy. Any opportunity to beat a side that might finish close to them is hugely important. 

What it means for Brisbane: Maybe it's the Demons' effect, but people are lining up to predict a Lions tumble – even if only to the lower reaches of the top eight, rather than outside of it. One way to silence those thinking they're a one-season wonder is to start strongly.

The stat: Hawthorn has failed to score more than 73 points in four straight losses to Brisbane, all of them in the past two seasons.

The match-up: Jon Patton v Harris Andrews

Patton's brown and gold debut could hardly come against a tougher opponent. The ex-Giant has slid to 48th in the key forward Player Ratings – having last played in June 2018 – but is set to be Hawthorn's focal point. Andrews is the No.2 key defender on the same metric. 

In the spotlight: Chad Wingard

The dual All-Australian cost the Hawks plenty at the trade table, but showed signs of life as a midfielder late in his first injury-riddled season at Waverley Park. There are no excuses this time around and the expectation is he will be an A-grader in 2020, as a midfielder-forward. 

Big call: Hawthorn scores 100 points for the third consecutive match – dating to round 22 last year – but loses to the Lions again. 

Prediction: Brisbane by 12 points