Hawthorn Hawks vs Brisbane Lions: AFL match results, highlights

Match result:

Luke Hodge and Chris Fagan keep their streak alive as the Brisbane Lions defeat the Hawthorn Hawks once again at their Tasmanian fortress.

In the first, Hawthorn looked impressive to own the first half of the term. The Lions kept in touch and responded well, closing the margin to three points as they entered the second.

In the second, Hawthorn’s goal-kicking issues worsened, adding five more behinds from six shots, while the Lions snatched the lead late with two more goals to their tally.

Similarly, the Lions had their issues for most of the quarter, adding four behinds from six shots and seeming outmatched out of the centre.

The Lions responded well in the third, cleaning up their goal-kicking with an extra five. With six shots at it, Hawthorn continued to struggle in front, adding five behinds and one goal as the Lions continued to build.

In the final term, Hawthorn kicked multiple goals for the first time since the first, finishing their tally with seven goals and 18 behinds. The Lions added three, missed three, but proved completely dominant as they closed out the game.

Dayne Zorko was immense in the victory, recording a game-high 118 AFL Fantasy Points with two goals, 25 disposals, five marks and six tackles.

Lachie Neale lifted big in the second half to finish with a goal, 33 disposals, 17 contested and seven clearances, while Mitch Robinson also held up well with 28 disposals and 107 AFL Fantasy Points.

For the Hawks, Jaegar O’Meara was pivotal with his 26 disposals, 527 metres gained, eight clearances and 10 tackles.

Ben McEvoy dominated out of the ruck for the afternoon, snaring 39 hit-outs, six tackles and 104 AFL Fantasy Points in the loss.

With not a lot left in the season, you’d assume the positions of these two sides will do little changing.

Lions looking dangerous as we approach September.

Final score
Hawthorn Hawks 7.18.60
Brisbane Lions 13.9.87

Match preview:

The Hawthorn Hawks look to follow up last week’s impressive performance, working their way from first to second when they verse the Brisbane Lions at the University of Tasmanian Stadium this Saturday. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 1:45pm (AEST).

Over the last month the Hawks have put together an impressive run, taking scalps from Collingwood, Fremantle and Geelong for three consecutive wins.

Hawthorn’s position (10th) still makes them a fair chance to play finals, but are competing with Port Adelaide (9th), Fremantle (11th) and Western Bulldogs (12th), all on 32 points, for what might be the last spot in the top-eight.

Last week, Hawthorn proved dominant against league-leaders, Geelong Cats, with Liam Shiels producing big numbers in his milestone game.

The 200 gamer recorded a game-high 133 AFL Fantasy Points in the win with two goals, 29 disposals, five marks, seven clearances and eight tackles.

Mitchell Lewis snared the Rising Star nomination for his performance, kicking a game-high three goals with 15 disposals, five marks and four hit-outs.

Unfortunately for the Hawks, Jarman Impey suffered a torn ACL in the clash and will be replaced this week by Grant Birchall.

The Lions also walked away with a win following their clash with North Melbourne last week.

Jarryd Lyons turned heads through the midfield, recording 30 disposals, 10 score involvements, 13 clearances and 107 AFL Fantasy Points.

Skipper, Dayne Zorko, also brought elite pressure to the contest, snaring 22 disposals, six inside 50s and five tackles inside 50.

Since the bye, Brisbane have been the most in-form side, winning five consecutive games since losing to Carlton in Round 12.

Brisbane caught a few eyes recently when they shut down a dominant Giants outfit (74-94) on the road in Round 16 – raising their odds to $3.25 to make the Grand Final with GWS moving to $4.25.

The Lions will be without Harris Andrews in this week’s clash – replaced by Josh Walker.

Hawthorn are also yet to win against the Lions since Luke Hodge and Chris Fagan joined the outfit.

At their Tasmanian fortress and coming off good form, Hawthorn may be a chance to upset.

Prediction
This game will be close, but the Lions will prove too good again.

Brisbane by 15 points.

First bounce: 1:45PM (AEST)
Venue: University of Tasmania Stadium, Launceston
Watch: Fox Footy, Kayo Sports

Hawthorn Hawks
B: Birchall, Frawley, Stratton
HB: Burgoyne, Sicily, Hardwick
C: Scully, Howe, Henderson
HF: Breust, O’Brien, Puopolo
F: Hanrahan, Lewis, Shiels
FOLL: McEvoy, O’Meara, Worpel
I/C: Wingard, Gunston, Nash, Smith

Brisbane Lions
B: Hodge, Adams, Bailey
HB: Witherden, Gardiner, Rich
C: McCarthy, Neale, Robinson
HF: Rayner, Hipwood, McCluggage
F: Cameron, McStay, Zorko
FOLL: Martin, Berry, Lyons
I/C: Christensen, Walker, Answerth, McInerney