Editor
The Brisbane Lions pushed the Hawthorn Hawks early on Saturday but were eventually blown away by a margin of 48 points as the Hawks piled on goals late in the game.
REPORT: HAWKS HOLD OFF BRAVE LIONS
Final score
Brisbane Lions 13.9.87
Hawthorn Hawks 21.9.135
WHAT’S NEXT? FOLLOW OUR ST KILDA VS FREMANTLE LIVE BLOG
The Brisbane Lions have an almighty task on their hands as they host a Hawthorn Hawks side hungry for a win. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 1:45pm (AEST).
With Collingwood and Richmond both returning to form of late, the spotlight must surely be shining now on Justin Leppitsch and the Brisbane Lions.
Despite recruiting strongly at the end of 2014, the Lions took a big backwards step in 2015. At 1-8 so far this year, 2016 looks like it could be even worse.
Three weeks ago they pushed the Swans to the limit with a spirited performance, with Sydney relying on a late Luke Parker goal to sneak home at the Gabba. Since then, Brisbane have been haplessly trounced by Port Adelaide, Collingwood and Melbourne.
On current form, this afternoon’s clash could get very ugly, very quickly.
At 6-3, Hawthorn have overcome a shaky start to improve on their 5-4 record from this time a year ago, but their percentage of 103% is way down on the 151% they sported then, and Hawthorn once again find themselves forced to, perhaps unfairly, defend their premiership credentials.
Anything less than a huge win in Brisbane will keep the doubters talking.
Hawthorn have a superb recent record over Brisbane, winning nine of the last ten contests.
But seven of those contests have been played at their Launceston stronghold, with this game being the Hawks’ first trip to Brisbane since 2008.
Of the twelve games these teams have played at The Gabba, the Lions have won nine.
Prediction
This is easily the biggest mismatch of this week and perhaps one of the biggest mismatches of the season.
You’d say Brisbane are a slightly better chance given they’re playing at home, but after the tripe they served up a fortnight ago, the Gabba looks anything but a fortress.
Hawks by 57.
Be sure to join The Roar to stay up-to-date with all of the action from the Gabba with our live scores and blog from 1:45 (AEST).