Brisbane have stormed home to thump Hawthorn by 56 points for their first AFL win this season, with former Hawk Luke Hodge instrumental in the upset.
Hodge’s young Lions looked like being blown off the park when Hawthorn kicked four easy goals in the first 10 minutes on Sunday.
But the hosts rallied in the Gabba shoot-out, sprinting clear in the third term and showing no nerves despite eight losses to start the year to thump the powerhouse club 20.9 (129) to 11.7 (73).
The Lions kicked four straight goals in a decisive third quarter, with Hugh McCluggage’s (27 disposals) career game powering the hosts forward.
Eric Hipwood (four goals), Tom Cutler (three) and Charlie Cameron (two) were the major benefactors.
Hodge rebounded expertly and his teammates did the rest despite another 46-disposal hall from Hawks ball magnet Tom Mitchell and four goals to Jack Gunston.
The former Hawthorn premiership captain soaked up the occasion, twice interviewed by Channel 7 on the sideline during play in an AFL first.
“We just got that bit of nourishment you get from winning a game of football,” Brisbane coach and former Hawthorn staffer Chris Fagan said.
“It reinforces what you’re trying to do, that we’re on the right track.
“It’s been a long time since the Lions have been able to beat the Hawks, I think back in 2009 when I was with them (as head of coaching).”
The Hawks, fifth at the start of the round, fell to 5-4 this season.
“We just lost our way a bit,” Hawks coach Alistair Clarkson said.
“We couldn’t change the momentum of the game; we tried a lot of things but to their credit they didn’t allow us to get back into the contest.
“They’re a big side and they controlled the game in the air.”
The Lions had been close in six of their eight previous losses this season but there was no repeat this time, with 28-year-old rookie defender Matt Eagles capping a perfect night with his first AFL goal.
Former Adelaide Crow Cameron’s pressure was immense and he was rewarded with a snapping goal early as the 20,628-strong crowd started to believe.
The efficient Lions defied the statistics in the first quarter, keeping within five points despite the Hawks notching more than double the amount of disposals and nearly double the tackles.
Gunston still ensured a fast start, kicking two and setting up another as the visitors kicked four in 10 minutes.
Cameron’s hanger in defence was a sign of things to come though, as Hipwood kicked a quick couple.
Then Dayne Zorko, who had 30 touches and 11 tackles, goaled to get the Lions rolling.
RM
Guest
His composure when the game was still in the balance was probably my favourite thing about the entire match
Paul D
Roar Guru
What’s better than beating hawthorn by 10 goals? Beating Essendon by 5 points in 3 weeks time
TomC
Roar Guru
There was quite a bit of Luke Hodge in McCluggage's performance yesterday, I thought. Lots of composed interventions at key moments.
Harsh Truth Harry
Roar Rookie
This game will officially end Clarksons era it is so significant. The Hawks are done folks, done and dusted, moves underway to get Ross "Budding " Lyon to the filthy black and white and Clarkson will go to that other tragedy of a club, Freo. As for you Hawks fans, youre done blokes, youve had some fun now go away for the next decade or two while Woosha's Bombers take over. The Lions arent that flash really but gee they towelled the old slow hawks up by ten goals!
RM
Guest
I think you're all being a bit precious about the "Hodge's Lions" line. It was his first game against Hawthorn - I don't need to rattle off stats for you to know what a huge deal that was. And the Lions won. And Hodge played a very good game - exactly the sort of performance the Lions would have been hoping for when they signed him. Hodge playing the Hawks for the first time, win or lose he was always going to get the headlines. And I'm fine with that. Part of the reason I was happy for the Lions to sign him was that having a player of his stature in the team would help get some attention for Brisbane from the vastly-Victorian-focused AFL media. Now, if the Lions win a few more and it is on the back of great performances from young guns like McCluggage, Andrews and Hipwood (all of whom played better games than Hodge yesterday), and the headlines are STILL all about Hodge, then I'd agree with the criticism. But for this game it's fine. He was always going to be the focus.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
Well worth repeating DC.
Chris
Guest
The hawks are on the slide. So, too are the Cats. They have both seen better days. Jusrt come to terms with it mate. Gone are the Glory Days!
The real SC
Roar Rookie
Last time the Brisbane Lions beat Hawthorn: - Masterchef first started on Channel 10 - iPads didn't come out. - There was no Channel 10 in Regional WA, and remote Australia. - Kevin Rudd was prime minister of Australia - Gold Coast and GWS wasn't in the competition - First android phone was released. - Angry Birds was first released - Barack Obama was still president of USA. - B787 Dreamliner didn't exist. - Daniel Rich was the only player who played since the 2009 season.
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
ChrisFagan's BrisVagans?
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
ChrisFagan's Brisvegans?
Paul D
Roar Guru
Hodges lions, really? If the price of winning is having to become hawthorn lite honestly I’d rather the club fold. Churlish I know but this narrative is awful, and once again demonstrates the total lack of understanding of the qld psyche from the Mexicans running this place
DingoGray
Roar Guru
So their “Hodge’s “ Lions now ???? Hahaha Great win!!! This one won’t get the straight delete from IQ treatment like the previous 8!!!!