Hodge’s brave young Lions topple Hawks

BRISBANE stormed home to thump Hawthorn by 56 points yesterday for their first win this season, with former Hawks premiership captain Luke Hodge instrumental in the upset.

Hodge’s young Lions looked like being blown off the park when Hawthorn kicked four easy goals in the first 10 minutes.

But the Lions rallied at the Gabba, sprinting clear in the third term and showing no nerves despite eight losses to start the year, thumping the powerhouse club 20.9 (129) to 11.7 (73).

The Lions kicked four straight goals in a decisive third quarter, with Hugh McCluggage powering the hosts forward.

Eric Hipwood (four goals), Tom Cutler (three) and Charlie Cameron (two) were the major benefactors.

Cameron ran into an open goal after McCluggage (27 disposals) split the pack before captain Dayne Beams’ set shot moments later helped the Lions to a 27-point lead at the final break.

Hodge rebounded expertly and his teammates did the rest, despite another 46-disposal haul from Hawks ball magnet Tom Mitchell and four goals to Jack Gunston.

The Hawks, fifth at the start of the round, fell to 5-4 this season. The Lions had been close in six of their eight previous losses this season but there was no repeat this time, with rookie defender Matt Eagles, 28, capping a perfect night with his first AFL goal.

Former Adelaide Crow Cameron’s pressure was immense and he was rewarded with a snapping goal early as the 20,628-strong crowd began to believe.

The Hawks relied on long-range efforts from James Sicily and Isaac Smith to stay close in the second term.

But Beams finished a terrific sequence through the corridor to help his side to an 11-point half-time lead, both teams having kicked an accurate 7.1 at one point.

The efficient Lions defied statistics in the first quarter, staying within five points despite the Hawks notching more than double the number of disposals and nearly double the tackles.

Gunston had a fast start, kicking two goals and setting up another as the visitors kicked four in 10 minutes.

Cameron’s hanger in defence was a sign of things to come though, as Hipwood kicked a quick couple.

Then Dayne Zorko, who had 30 touches and 11 tackles, goaled to get the Lions rolling.