Add the Lions to the list of teams itching to have a crack at the Hawks after years of being lorded over by the men in brown and gold. Lions coach Chris Fagan will have a plan to beat Hawthorn after nearly a decade there as a key football staffer, but the question is whether he has the personnel to execute it, and the signs are emerging that Brisbane is starting to flag after a bright start to the season. If the Hawks of last week turn up then they should get their third win of the year, but we thought that a fortnight ago and they were walloped by the Saints. In 2017 it is all in the head for Hawthorn.
WHERE AND WHEN: University of Tasmania Stadium, Saturday, May 13, 1.45pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
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
R14, 2013, Hawthorn 21.17 (143) d Brisbane Lions 12.13 (85) at University of Tasmania Stadium
R12, 2012, Hawthorn 19.21 (135) d Brisbane Lions 11.4 (70) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Lions pushed Hawthorn for three quarters when they last played; the Hawks led by only two goals at three-quartertime before kicking nine goals to three in the final term. Jordan Lewis was best on ground with 42 disposals and nine clearances.
2. The Lions continue to be the lowest ranked team for marking the ball inside 50, averaging 7.9; they’re also ranked last for taking the ball inside 50. Hawthorn is equal 15th for inside 50s.
3. Hawthorn has dominated the Lions over a long period of time, winning the past seven matches with an average margin of 58 points. The Lions last won in round 12, 2009.
4. The umpires could play a role in this result. The Lions have received the most free kicks this season with 152, in total contrast to the Hawks, who are last with 114.
5. Two weeks ago Hawthorn lost its first game at University of Tasmania Stadium since early in 2012; they had won their previous 19 games. The Lions have played seven times at the venue for just one win, in 2009.
6. Dayne Zorko, with 564.8 points and listed at No.7, is the highest-ranked player in this match according to the Schick AFL Player Ratings.
Read: Who is Hawthorn's most efficient player?
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Chris Fagan
The Brisbane coach took his team to Launceston for a training camp before Christmas, mainly for the cooler weather but they were based at University of Tasmania Stadium and over the course of the week became comfortable with the ground. Will this help give them an edge?
PREDICTION: Hawthorn by 10 points
