The line up

B: Hodge, McStay, Gardiner
HB: Rich, Cutler, Witherden
C: Taylor, Robinson, Zorko
HF: Rayner, Walker, McCluggage
F: Christensen, Hipwood, Lester
FOLL: Martin, Berry, Beams
I/C: Robertson, Mathieson, Barrett, McInerney
EMG: Bastinac, Cox, Starcevich, Frost

Changes: None

Read: Last time we met Brisbane

What to expect

The Brisbane Lions are coming off their first consecutive wins since Rounds 6 and 7 2015.

The Lions’ offensive game has been clicking over the last fortnight, with 29 and 30 scoring shots against Fremantle and Carlton respectively. 

In fact, Brisbane’s numbers with ball in hand against the league are more impressive than one might expect from a side with just three wins for the year.

With former Hawthorn assistant Chris Fagan having taken the reigns at the Gabba over the past two seasons, his side’s strong points have a considerable correlation to the Hawks’.

The Lions rank second for marks (98.9 per game against the fifth-placed Hawks’ 94.9), third for disposal efficiency (74.2%, Hawks second at 74.3%), third for marks inside 50 (equal with Hawks at 11.8 per game) and sixth for uncontested possessions (seventh). 

The Lions’ deficiencies lie in areas that are understandable for a list that sits third-youngest across the competition.

They rate 16th for contested possessions and 18th for tackles, as the physical side of their game continues to develop.

The Hawks can expect a Lions side that is buoyed by their recent form with confidence as high as it has been in some years.

Having already faltered against the Lions in Brisbane in Round 9, expect the Hawks to be keen to make amends for their earlier season disappointment. 

Player to watch 

Dayne Beams was simply brilliant against the Blues last weekend. 

Beams racked up 40 disposals, 20 contested possessions, nine marks, eight inside 50s, eight clearances and a goal. 

The 28-year old has been a primary reason for the Lions’ winning form, averaging 36.5 possessions and 10 clearances in his side’s last two outings.

Having recorded double-digit figures for contested and uncontested possessions in eight of his 14 games this year as well as averaging just shy of a goal per game, Beams is able to impact a game in an array of ways.

He is certainly one to watch this Saturday in Launceston.