1. Lions possessed (for most of the game)
It’s been a rare occurrence for the Lions to win the contested possession count in recent times – but they did it today, and against the three-time reigning Premiers to boot. Long the lament of players, coaches and fans, a 156-152 contested count in favour of the home team at the end of the game was built on better intent, better organisation and better persistence than what has been produced in recent weeks. Mitch Robinson (14 contested possessions) and Allen Christensen (12) led the wat for their team.
2. Bell tolls for the Gabba fans
Tom Bell was a second-quarter hero for his side, kicking three goals in the space of five minutes as the Lions briefly took the lead. The Hawks appeared to have no match for the big-bodied midfielder, with Bell roaming the forward 50 seemingly at will. He kicked a fourth in the third quarter, finishing with his equal-career high total. Bell also had 16 disposals to be one of his side's best players as he quickly become sa crowd favourite with the Gabba faithful.
3. Schache so close to “star” status
First-year key forward Josh Schache pulled down a game-high eight marks, had 13 possessions and kicked two goals, two behinds – which could easily have been four straight. The No.2 Draft pick has already ticked a lot of boxes and today’s effort only enhances his reputation. Is it enough for an NAB Rising Star nominations? Maybe – but even if he misses out then you feel his day is not far away.
4. Jordan Lewis marks his day
The Hawks' acting captain brought his own ball to his 250th game, notching 23 disposals to half-time, 36 by three-quarter time and eventually finishing with 42. With close friend Jarryd Roughead making the trip to support his mate, Lewis was involved in plenty early, giving away two free kicks and a 50m penalty, but – a brief skirmish with Nick Robertson aside – steadied to be one of the most prominent players on the ground. He also kicked a crucial goal early in the fourth quarter when the Lions were threatening to take the lead.
5. Rioli shines in Indigenous Round
Cyril Rioli was a steady presence in the Hawks' forward line, finishing with five goals. He was there when it mattered for the Hawks, kicking two in the fourth quarter to break the game open, and was always threatening when the ball hit the ground. His run-down tackle on a slow-moving Allen Christensen in the middle of the ground was vintage Rioli. Brad Hill also kicked two goals, and celebrated his second with an indigenous dance.
6. Is the West-Martin partnership working?
Trent West has now played the past two matches working in partnership with Stefan Martin. Martin was noticeably quiet against the Hawks, finishing with just seven touches, while West had eight. In comparison, the Hawthorn Ceglar-McEvoy combination had a total of 29 disposals and three goals. Martin seemed frustrated at times playing in the forward 50, and with West more of a tap ruckman, rather than being dominant around the ground, it remains to be seen whether the duo is an effective partnership. With Carlton coming up next week, it will be interesting to see if Justin Leppitsch pursues with playing the two together.
Trent West goes head to head with Ben McEvoy (Photo by Matt Roberts/AFL Media)
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