JONATHAN Brown says a Hawthorn grand final victory on Saturday could see the Hawks surpass Brisbane’s hat-trick heroes in the pecking order of modern-day dynasties.
But the Lions great believes Brisbane’s best team from the premiership era of 2001-2003 would beat the Hawks in a mouth-watering hypothetical clash.
Brown is tipping Hawthorn to defeat West Coast in the decider which would see the Alastair Clarkson-coached side equal Brisbane’s feat of three consecutive flags.
Brisbane played in four straight deciders from 2001-2004 for three flags while the Hawks are in their fourth consecutive season showpiece after losing to Sydney in 2012.
Geelong won three flags in five years (2007, 2009 and 2011) from four grand final appearances but did not complete a hat-trick.
Brown said Hawthorn had already cleared the biggest hurdle on their way to history by just making the grand final.
He concedes Hawthorn’s 2008 flag could be the tie-breaker in the battle of dynasties.
“The same nucleus of the side that is driving the Hawks now was there in 2008 as well so you could argue they would draw level and go past us,’’ Brown said.
“They’ve had just one hiccup in 2009 when they missed the finals so there’s no doubt they’ve been a great dynasty.
“Just making that third grand final is the hardest part. The game itself is easy after you’ve managed to negotiate yourself through September which can get tricky
“Injuries and travel can take their toll after such a long campaign but once you are there, the experience really kicks in and you take care of business.
“They are such a resilient team. They are pretty healthy at the moment too and the teams that win grand finals are generally the healthiest teams.’’
Brown sees significant similarities with his Brisbane side and the Hawks, especially with their respective inspirational and fearsome captains, Michael Voss and Luke Hodge.
“There was also strong leadership throughout side and you can see it in the Hawks too,’’ he said.
“We had a big group of strong, vocal leaders on field. A group of about eight to 10 guys who drove standards on the field which could be quite intimidating to opposition sides.
“You’ve also got to have star players on every line. We had superstars on every line and there is great quality throughout the Hawks’ line-up.
“Both clubs will have plenty of players in the AFL Hall of Fame when all is said and done.’’
Brown said a hypothetical fantasy match between the 2001-2003 Lions and 2013-2015 Hawks would be a bone-jarring thriller.
“It would be a cracking game, wouldn’t it. No place for the feint-hearted. I reckon we’d still win because we had a more balanced team in terms of a traditional spine,’’ he said.
“Both midfields are star-studded, both sides have great defensive units and role players but our key forwards might just give us an edge.’’
