Roar Guru
The Brisbane Lions are on a three-match winning streak, coming away comfortable victors over the Hawthorn Hawks in Launceston.
Final score
Hawthorn Hawks 9.11.65
Brisbane Lions 15.8.98
The Hawthorn Hawks welcome the Brisbane Lions down to Launceston in a game where Alastair Clarkson’s men will be looking for a percentage-booster to improve their finals chances. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 1:45pm (AEST).
The Hawks were superb against the Western Bulldogs last week, especially in the second half. They just completely blew them away and proved too much for an outfit that had looked really solid in the matches leading up to that particular one.
Luke Breust was the standout kicking six majors as he continued his terrific season. Jack Gunston and Jarryd Roughead also chipped in with four goals each.
It was such an even performance from Hawthorn with a number of contributors.
It is a great time of the season to hit some form. There are so many teams just hovering around a finals spot, so if there’s a time of the season you want to be chalking up some wins, it is now.
If the Hawks were to get themselves a finals spot they would be a big threat. Despite losing several key members in the last couple of years, they still have so much finals experience, and that’s invaluable.
In team news for the Hawks this week, Jonathan O’Rourke (Injured) and Ben McEvoy (Injured) make way for Brendan Whitecross and Tim O’Brien.
As for the Lions, they really did put the Carlton Blues to the sword. Brisbane made a team that was around the same mark on the ladder as them look miles off what they were.
I think if Chris Fagan was honest the Lions should have a few more wins next to their name. They have talent and some good youth coming through, but the reality is they are better than what they have shown for majority of the season.
Eric Hipwood was superb last week kicking six majors, and he will be looking to recapture that form ahead of the Hawks this week. Dayne Beams looks a seriously good player at this moment. He reeled in 40 disposals and completely exposed Carlton for what they are.
In team news for the Lions this week, they go into the match unchanged.
Prediction
Brisbane at times this season have shown us how good they can be, but the reality is they just aren’t consistent enough for the time being, which ultimately leaves me no choice but to tip Hawthorn.
Hawthorn by 31.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 1:45pm (AEST).