BRISBANE Lions will be searching for their second win of 2016, when they host Hawthorn at the Gabba on Saturday afternoon.
It’s the Hawks’ first visit to the Gabba since 2008, and an important match for both sides.
The Lions will be out to rebound from five consecutive defeats, while the Hawks will be looking to turnaround a 14-point loss to Sydney Swans on the weekend.
On the weekend, the Lions were soundly beaten by Melbourme.
Mitch Robinson (24 disposals), Daniel Rich (26 disposals), Dayne Zorko (24 disposals) and Tom Bell (three goals) were among the Lions’ best.
Despite the result, coach Justin Leppitsch said there were some promising signs.
"You've got to be willing and able in this game and I thought we were willing today," Leppitsch said post-game.
"It was only a small part towards the end where we needed to rev the boys up.
"The mistake rate was too high, probably in all facets, but at least it's a starting point."
Recent form
It has been far from smooth sailing for the Lions over the past month, with a number of heavy defeats and some key players sidelined.
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The Lions got within three points of the Swans in Round 6, but have lost by an average margin of 72 points over the past three weeks to three sides outside in the top eight, in Port Adelaide (77 points), Collingwood (78 points) and Melbourne (63 points).
Key players
Dayne Zorko, Pearce Hanley and Stefan Martin have been the standout for the Lions in 2016.
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Zorko is averaging 23.5 disposals and more than a goal per game, while Hanley is averaging 21.4 disposals per game. Martin has established himself as one of the competition’s premier ruckmen, and averages 25.9 hit-outs and 16.4 disposals per game.
Potential changes
Marco Paparone and Josh Green responded to their omission from Brisbane’s Round 9 side, being named among the Lions’ best in the NEAFL.
On the injury front, skipper Tom Rockliff was said to be one-to-two weeks away from returning from a hamstring injury this time last week, and could potentially be in the mix.
