Despite a competitive effort and a see-sawing contest for much of the day, Hawthorn stormed home, kicking nine goals to three in the last quarter to win 21.9 (135) to 13.9 (87) on Saturday at the Gabba.
A rare win in contested ball (156-152), and a vast improvement after three big losses, it was the Lions’ ninth loss in 10 matches this season.
“Leppa put it back on us,” Tom Bell told LionsTV following the match.
“We spoke about not being able to play four quarters, we found we stuck to Hawthorn for the first three.
“We probably let ourselves down in the fourth quarter. We played back into old habits which hurt us and they kicked a few goals.
“You’ve got to play four quarters against a good mob like Hawthorn. It’s disappointing not to get the win.”
Bell said he was pleased with the way the forward line functioned on Saturday. Lewis Taylor played arguably his best game for the Club, finishing with 23 disposals and three goals, while first-year player Josh Schache and key forward Jonathan Freeman worked well in the air and when the ball went to ground.
“It’s nice to have a few big boys down there.
“They bring it to ground and help out us smalls – kicking a few goals. I think our forward line is working really well together at the moment, let’s hope we can get that momentum rolling and finish off our goals.”
Bell has quickly become a Gabba crowd favourite and his four goals electrified the home fans.
“It’s always nice when you kick a goal knowing there is a home crowd behind you.
“The crowd have been excellent our last couple of home games. I love playing at the Gabba and showing the fans what we can do.”
The 24-year-old was the Lions’ prime trade target at the end of 2015, arriving from Carlton, and the Queenslander will meet his former club for the first time on Saturday.
“It’s a game I’ve been excited for for a long time, but again it’s just another game of football.
“All I really want to do is go out there and play my role for the team, hopefully we can notch up a ‘W’ next week.”
