The changes
In: Josh Walker, Tom Bell, Rohan Bewick
Out: Daniel McStay (hand), Mitchell Robinson (foot), Hugh McCluggage (rested)
What to expect
Despite making in-roads into gaining more respect around the league this year, the Brisbane Lions are still trailing the competition in many key areas of the game.
They are ranked 18th in the AFL in contested possessions, 18th for points scored against them, 18th for average marks inside 50, 17th for disposal efficiency and 16th for average tackles.
The Lions’ strength is in their midfield, where the majority of both their elite talent and experience resides.
Ranking sixth in the league for clearances, midfielders Tom Rockliff (leading the league in clearances with an average of 9.1) and Dayne Zorko (5.1) and ruckman Stefan Martin (6.4, 12th in the league) have been prominent in surging the ball forward for their side.
This is a key performance indicator for the Lions, as their youthful backline has struggled to limit the opposition’s scoring when they instead win the clearance.
Read: Two Hawks return for Lions clash
Players to watch
Daniel Rich is the only remaining Lion who played in Brisbane’s last win over the Hawks in round 12, 2009.
New Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has assigned Rich to a full-time role in defence, often relying on the former number seven pick’s pin-point left-foot kick to get his side out of trouble.
Rich is averaging just shy of 20 possessions a game this year and has been an important player for the Lions structure this year.
Lewis Taylor is another Lion who has taken his game to the next level this season.
Also averaging just shy of 20 disposals per game, Taylor has upped the ante in the contested side of his game, averaging career-highs in contested possession (6.2 per game) and tackles (3 per game).
