The Brisbane Lions will travel to Melbourne on Saturday to take on the Box Hill Hawks in Round 12 VFL action.
After a week of rest with the bye round, the Lions face a tough challenge against another top four contender in the form of the Box Hill Hawks.
The Lions remain the only undefeated side in the competition, however, Box Hill has only lost two out of its nine matches and currently sit third on the ladder.
Brisbane VFL coach Ben Hudson understands the test that his team is tasked with.
“This will be a tough contest, Box Hill are a good side and have been playing some great footy,” he said.
“We are confident in our system and process to get the job done.
“We’ve had a really good start to the year so it’s just about continuing on with that momentum.”
The Lions came away from their last game with a hard-fought, 35-point victory over Frankston at Kinetic Stadium in Melbourne, a trait that Hudson is thrilled with.
“Our ability to win tough games has been really pleasing,” he said.
“We’ve had a few close games so far this year and the boys have showed some serious resolve.
“It is an area of our game which puts us in good stead going into the back half of the year.”
Players to watch
Jarryd Lyons
One of the most statically dominant midfielders in the VFL through 11 rounds, Lyons is stuffing the stat sheet in 2023, he has been one of the form on-ballers in the competition.
In his last four games, Lyons has averaged 36.5 disposals and 1.5 goals.
This included stunning outings against Essendon and Coburg where he collected 36 and 44 possessions respectively.
Jaspa Fletcher
Fletcher has played in all nine VFL wins and is providing a reliable player on the wing.
Averaging 16.3 disposals and 0.6 goals per game, Fletcher’s run and carry has been an asset to the Lions offensive transition.
His two goals and 30 disposals against Coburg demonstrated his ability to accumulate the ball and hit the scoreboard showing his damaging capabilities.
Last time we met
The Lions and the Box Hill Hawks will meet for the first time in the VFL competition on Saturday.
After a shortened 2021 season, the Lions did not face the Hawks in 2022 and their meeting at Box Hill Oval will be the very first encounter for the two sides.
