The big picture

Hawthorn are 16–7–2 in AFL 2026, averaging 98.2 points for and 82.1 against.

Brisbane Lions are 19–8 in AFL 2026, averaging 109.6 points for and 92.5 against.

Form

Hawthorn have won two of their last five and most recently lost to Brisbane Lions 122–131.

Brisbane Lions have won four of their last five and most recently beat Fremantle 96–89.

Brisbane Lions arrive on a 3-game winning streak.

Head to head

These sides have met 59 times on our records since 1987: Hawthorn 35, Brisbane Lions 24.

Last time out (2026, Preliminary Finals), Brisbane Lions won 131–122 at MCG.

Brisbane Lions have won the last four against Hawthorn.

Biggest margin between these two: Brisbane Lions by 102 points in 2002 (148–46).

Players to watch

For Hawthorn, watch Jai Newcombe (25.5 disposals a game, 8 goals in 2026) and Josh Ward (22.5 disposals a game, 6 goals in 2026).

For Brisbane Lions, watch Lachie Neale (28.7 disposals a game, 5 goals in 2026) and Will Ashcroft (28.6 disposals a game, 17 goals in 2026).

Milestone watch

Logan Morris is 2 disposals short of 700 for their career.

Logan Morris is 1 goals short of 150 for their career.

At MCG

Hawthorn have won 10 of their last 17 at MCG.

Brisbane Lions have won 6 of 8 at MCG.

What the numbers say

On the numbers this is too close to split.