Hawthorn Hawks stun Brisbane Lions at Marvel Stadium to extend dominant run
Hawthorn have continued their hoodoo over the Brisbane Lions, posting an impressive 25-point win at Marvel Stadium.
The Hawks powered away from last year’s grand finalists early before withstanding a Lions comeback to win 15.10 (100) to 10.15 (75) on Sunday for their fourth victory of the season.
Despite not playing finals since 2018, Hawthorn have won five straight matches against the Lions dating back to 2020.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The Lions have beaten all 16 other AFL teams at least once during the past five seasons, but Hawthorn have proved to be a bogey side for Lions coach Chris Fagan - a former Hawks football boss.
James Worpel and Will Day starred in the midfield for Hawthorn, while captain James Sicily was a rock in defence as the Lions’ forward line functioned poorly.
After Brisbane kicked the first goal, Hawthorn raced out to a 35-point lead midway through the second term.
The Lions cut the deficit to just three points moments before the final break, but were left to rue kicking 3.7 during a third quarter they dominated in general play.
Hawthorn booted the first three goals of the final quarter to break the Lions’ spirit.
The victory comes just seven days after Hawthorn suffered a heartbreaking loss at the death after they had been up by 41 points against Port Adelaide.
The result leaves the Lions’ campaign reeling with a 4-1-6 record and sitting in 12th place on the ladder heading into the bye after playing finals for the past five seasons.
After kicking five goals last week in a 119-point mauling of Richmond, livewire Brisbane forward Charlie Cameron’s radar was off on Sunday as he finished with 1.3 and one shot that went out on the full in a costly performance.
Former Hawthorn tall Brandon Ryan had a dream start in his Lions debut, slotting the first goal of the match.
But Hawthorn premiership hero Jack Gunston - who spent one season with the Lions last year before returning to Waverley Park - turned back the clock with a vital four-goal performance, including the sealer with four minutes left.
Hawthorn will host Adelaide at the MCG next Saturday as they continue their steady build under coach Sam Mitchell.
The Lions will lick their wounds during the bye before trying to salvage something from the season whey play the Western Bulldogs back at Marvel Stadium in round 13.
