THE BRISBANE Lions have diverted their gaze away from Hawthorn superstar Lance Franklin to concentrate their efforts on cutting off his midfield supply ahead of Sunday's match at the MCG.

Franklin has kicked 17 goals in his past two matches - including 13 against North Melbourne in round 10 - but Lions vice-captain Tom Rockliff said they were looking further up-field.

The Lions (4-6) are coming off a bye, but were buoyed by a last-start win over then competition leaders West Coast.

Rockliff was full of praise for the Hawthorn midfield that had got back near its best in the past fortnight.

"They've got really good balance in there," Rockliff said.

"They've got their good inside players and good outside players that give them a lot of run.

"[Sam] Mitchell is a very good first-hands player and [Brad] Sewell plays his role really well. We have to counter that by getting first hands and giving our runners first chance to drive the ball inside 50."

The reigning Lions club champion said cutting off supply was the best way to limit Franklin, who has kicked 38 goals this season.

"If he gets a lot of opportunities, he's going to take them," he said.

"You've got to make sure they're pressured opportunities so the ball sits up and it gives the defenders a chance to get third up."

Two injury concerns the Lions are sweating on are Brownlow medallist Simon Black and veteran small defender Ash McGrath, who are both recovering from knee problems.

Black missed the round 10 win over West Coast and trained strongly early in the Lions' main training session on Thursday.

McGrath sustained his injury in the win over the Eagles and was restricted to walking drills early on Thursday.

Rockliff said it would be great to have Black available, although the rest of the midfield would have to take on more responsibility.

"We have to make sure we all have opportunities. He'll (Black) more than likely get sat on like he has for the last 12 years of his career, so it's about sharing the workload through the midfield," he said.


Rockliff said after defeating Melbourne at the MCG in round one, the ground held fewer fears for the Lions than it once may have.

"They had quite a big crowd there that day and there wasn't a lot of Brisbane supporters there," he said.

"We are playing some good footy and hopefully we carry down there to the 'G and put our best foot forward and get the four points."

Michael Whiting covers Brisbane Lions news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL