Hawks have dominated high-flying Lions

The Hawthorn Hawks have remarkably dominated the Brisbane Lions in recent AFL matchups, securing five consecutive victories since 2021. This streak is particularly notable given the Lions’ consistent presence in the finals during this period, while the Hawks have been undergoing a rebuilding phase.

Key Factors Behind Hawthorn’s Dominance
1. Midfield Mastery
Hawthorn’s midfield, led by Jai Newcombe and James Worpel, has consistently outperformed Brisbane’s. Newcombe, for instance, has elevated his performance against the Lions, averaging 26 disposals and seven clearances per game, surpassing his usual output. In the 2024 Round 11 clash, the Hawks dominated clearances, gaining a 27-point advantage from stoppages .

2. Defensive Leadership
Captain James Sicily has been instrumental in defense, averaging 27 disposals and nine marks per game against Brisbane. His ability to intercept and launch counterattacks has been pivotal in stifling the Lions’ forward momentum .

3. Capitalizing on Turnovers
The Hawks have effectively punished Brisbane’s turnovers, outscoring them in this area in four of the last five meetings. Notably, they achieved a +48-point advantage from turnovers in 2021 and +27 in 2023 .

4. Superior Goal Accuracy
Hawthorn has consistently demonstrated better goal-kicking efficiency, converting over 50% of their shots in each of the five consecutive wins. This precision has often been the difference in closely contested matches .

5. Home Ground Advantage
All five recent victories have been on Hawthorn’s home turf, with the Lions playing at the Gabba only three times since 2008. Additionally, Brisbane hasn’t secured a win against Hawthorn at the MCG since 2004 .

Recent Encounter: 2024 Round 11
In their latest meeting, Hawthorn secured a 25-point victory at Marvel Stadium. Despite a third-quarter surge from Brisbane, the Hawks showcased resilience and composure, with Jack Gunston contributing four goals and Sicily leading the defense with 26 disposals and eight intercepts .

Looking Ahead
As the teams prepare for their upcoming clash at the MCG, the Lions aim to break their long-standing hoodoo against the Hawks at this venue. However, given Hawthorn’s recent form and psychological edge, they remain confident in extending their winning streak .

For a deeper insight into this rivalry, you might find this analysis by former Hawk Chad Wingard informative: