The Brisbane Lions’ AFL premiership credentials have taken a major hit, stumbling at the MCG to a young and determined Hawthorn side by 25 points.
In their first outing at the home of the grand final this season, the Lions never looked comfortable against the Hawks, who have won three of their last four games.
Trailing by 17 at halftime, Hawthorn opened the game up with six goals to two in the third quarter as midfielder Jai Newcombe swung momentum in the Hawks’ favour.
The Lions booted the first goal of the final term 30 seconds in through Linc McCarthy but Hawthorn lifted again as Dylan Moore’s goal from the pocket late secured the 15.8 (98) to 11.7 (73) upset to make it four-straight victories over Brisbane.
In an added blow for the Lions, star Hugh McLuggage suffered a concussion midway through the fourth quarter when he was knocked out cold following a tackle from Hawthorn captain James Sicily.
McLuggage failed to move for almost a minute before staggering off the field slowly with the help of trainers.
Sicily, who was only returning from a suspension, is certain to be in trouble with the match review officer with the AFL clamping down on dangerous tackles this year.
The Lions were a man down on the bench for the rest of the match after already subbing out veteran Daniel Rich for Keidean Coleman.
The result raises serious questions about if the fourth-placed Lions can end their 20-year premiership drought.
Brisbane have won just once in their last 14 outings at the MCG, with their only victory at the ground coming in extraordinary fashion when they upset Melbourne in last year’s semi-final.
The Lions are unbeaten at their Gabba fortress this year, including wins against Collingwood and Melbourne, but have lost their last two matches to drop to 8-4 and further adrift of the Magpies and Port Adelaide in the top two.
Hawthorn’s key forwards were outstanding, with Mitch Lewis (four goals) and Jacob Koschitzke (three) causing havoc for Brisbane’s defence.
Eric Hipwood was the Lions’ most threatening forward, kicking four goals during a super period late in the second quarter and early in the third.
Brisbane will back up on Friday night when they host Sydney at the Gabba, while Hawthorn have the bye before travelling to play Gold Coast in round 15.