Saturday’s AFL 2018 Round 17 match is between Hawthorn Hawks and Brisbane Lions. The opening kick is set to commence at 13:45 local time with the game to be played at University of Tasmania Stadium. The home team Hawthorn Hawks are the favourites for the match.
View our preview and teams for the game between Hawthorn Hawks and Brisbane Lions.
When: 13:45 | Saturday 14/07/2018
Where: University of Tasmania Stadium
Preview:
Despite their respective ladder positions, this should be a good contest and the Lions won the earlier game between the two this year but this one being in Melbourne means Hawthorn win easily.
Luke Breust had a big game for the Hawks against the Bulldogs and he’s the best small forward in the game.
Lions have some momentum of their own but I think they have little chance of winning this.
Hawthorn have too much experience and a lot to play for.
KEY BATTLE: Dayne Beams v Tom Mitchell
Two of the most prolific midfielders in the game.
The Verdict
Hawthorn too good at home.
The Hawks have won each of their last six matches against the Lions at University of Tasmania Stadium by a margin of 25+ points.
Unibet Odds:
Hawthorn at $1.24
Brisbane at $4.10
Odds:
Tip: Hawthorn Hawks at $1.27
Value Bet: First Goal Scorer: Jack Gunston at $9.00
More Info:
Teams:
Hawthorn Hawks: 
B: Burton, Frawley, Stratton
HB: Duryea, Sicily, Hardwick
C: Morrison, Mitchell, Smith
HF: Impey, Gunston, O’Meara
F: Breust, Roughead, Puopolo
FOLL: Ceglar, Shiels, Howe
I/C: Miles, Henderson, Whitecross, O’Brien
EMG: Schoenmakers, Glass, Brand, Lovell
IN: Whitecross, O’Brien
OUT: McEvoy, O’Rourke
Brisbane Lions: 
B: Hodge, McStay, Gardiner
HB: Rich, Cutler, Witherden
C: Taylor, Robinson, Zorko
HF: Rayner, Walker, McCluggage
F: Christensen, Hipwood, Lester
FOLL: Martin, Berry, Beams
I/C: Robertson, Mathieson, Barrett, McInerney
EMG: Bastinac, Cox, Starcevich, Frost
Unchanged
AFL News:
Hawthorn recruit Jarman Impey will shoulder more responsibility as the Hawks embark on the post-Cyril Rioli era.
Alastair Clarkson’s men face the resurgent Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night in a pivotal clash that will shape their finals hopes.
While the four-time premiership star’s mid-week decision surprised many, Hawthorn have been preparing for this day for a while.
And former Port Adelaide flyer Impey is set for a key role.
“It’s pretty hard to put a succession plan together for someone like Cyril Rioli but that’s the harsh reality of the game,” Clarkson told reporters on Friday.
“Part of the reason Jarman Impey was recruited was to fill some of the void if Cyril ever did leave.
“Now that he has decided to go then we’re probably going to need someone else to come in (and) provide some more assistance as well.
“… as harsh as it is the reality of it all is that (Rioli) is no longer with us and we need to find a way to move forward and get ourselves ready for our next tilt at silverware.”
Impey has impressed since crossing from the Power in the off-season and the 22-year-old speedster has played every game.
The Hawks’ season is delicately balanced following last week’s 11-point loss to GWS, which left them 10th with an 8-6 record.
The 14th-ranked Dogs (5-9) are out of the finals picture, but are coming off a morale-boosting two-point win over Geelong.
Brownlow Medal favourite Tom Mitchell had 50 possessions against the Giants, but Clarkson’s side was smashed in clearances (51-28) and contested possession (190-135).
“We got smacked in those two phases of the game … it was extraordinary really that we only lost by 11 points,” Clarkson said.
“We’d be hopeful that if we could just break even with the Dogs that might help us … but we obviously need to address that.
“… the ladder is a pretty good reflection (of where we’re at) but if we can get our act together in the last third of the season then we’re still a chance to make some sort of run at it.
“But we need to get going a little bit.”
The Hawks regained Jack Gunston after he was a late withdrawal last week with a corked calf, while the Dogs called up Shane Biggs and Caleb Daniel.
