Surely a missed fixturing opportunity by the AFL here by not having Luke Hodge return to the MCG to take on the Hawks in front of 40,000 fans who used to idolise him.
Still, the former Hawks skipper seemed to enjoy beating his former team when the sides clashed earlier this year at the Gabba, and the Hawks will be desperate to regain the bragging rights.
The Lions like to keep the scoreboard ticking and in Eric Hipwood have one of the form forwards of the competition, so it will be a big test for the Hawk defenders, who have been in good nick themselves.
Hawthorn kicked a season-high 123 points last week and if it means their forward line has finally clicked into gear then a return to the finals becomes a distinct chance.
Where and When:
University of Tasmania Saturday, July 14, 1.45pm AEST
*Note: The match will now be broadcasted to free-to-air television on Channel 7 SEQLD.
Last Five Meetings:
R9, 2018, Brisbane Lions 20.9 (129) d Hawthorn 11.7 (73) at the Gabba
R8, 2017, Hawthorn 17.11 (113) d Brisbane Lions 11.9 (75) at University of Tasmania Stadium
R10, 2016, Hawthorn 21.9 (135) d Brisbane Lions 13.9 (87) at the Gabba
R22, 2015, Hawthorn 21.8 (134) d Brisbane Lions 9.8 (62) at University of Tasmania Stadium
R1, 2014, Hawthorn 21.13 (139) d Brisbane Lions 13.13 (91) at University of Tasmania Stadium
The Six Points
1. Brisbane won its first game of the season by defeating Hawthorn in Round 9. The Lions dominated the second half booting 11 goals to four, including seven to two in the final quarter.
2. The Lions have played some high-scoring football this season averaging 82 points per game, they’ve kicked 100 points in a game four times and their three wins have all been by more than 50 points.
3. Brisbane’s win in Round 9 ended a long losing streak against the Hawks. Hawthorn had won the previous eight matches. The Lions haven’t won consecutive clashes with Hawthorn since 2006-07.
4. The Hawks are one of the most accurate teams in front of goal this season operating at 51.4 per cent ahead of the Lions at 47 per cent. Hawthorn has kicked 196 goals and Brisbane 179.
5. A win for the Lions and it will be the first time since Rounds 15-17, 2013 they would have won three games in a row.
6. Dayne Zorko of the Lions is the No.3-listed midfielder in the AFL Player Ratings.
It's a big week for... Mitch Robinson
Last time the Lions met with Hawthorn in Tasmania, Mitch Robinson missed out on what could have been his 150th match in his hometown.
Only one week prior, Robinson fractured his foot against the Swans.
The injury saw Robinson sidelined for the remainder of the 2017 season.
As a Tasmanian native, Robinson will be raring to return home and showcase a great performance in front of old friends and family.
