Hodge stands tall for Lions

BRISBANE have not won a lot of silverware in recent times but they emphatically and gleefully wrapped their claws around the unofficial “Luke Hodge Cup” with a stirring 56point triumph over Hawthorn at the Gabba last night.

In his best individual performance in a Lions jumper, Hodge lifted against his old club and helped Brisbane claim their first premiership points since August 12 last year as they roared to their first win of the season.

After eight promising but fruitless rounds to begin their 2018 campaign, it finally all clicked as Brisbane kicked away from the Hawks and could finally belt out the club song in their dressing room.

The convincing 20.9 ( 129) to 11.7 ( 73) win snapped a 10match losing streak dating back to the Round 21 QClash victory over the Gold Coast.

Young gun Hugh McCluggage had a career- high 27 disposals for Brisbane, captain Dayne Beams ( 28 disposals) was all class, Dayne Zorko ( 30 disposals, 11 tackles, five clearances, 10 inside 50s) was a machine in the middle of the ground, Tom Cutler ( 27 disposals and three goals) was also eye- catching while bookends Harris Andrews and Eric Hipwood stood tall for the Lions.

Hodge’s impact grew the longer the game went and a heavy bump on Isaac Smith late in the fourth term showed the four- time premiership player and dual Norm Smith Medallist was playing for keeps against the club he turned out for 305 times. He finished with 19 touches and seven marks.

After a shaky first quarter, Brisbane kicked five goals to two in the second term, four goals to two in the third and it was seven goals to two in the last with Hipwood, Cutler, Allen Christensen, Cam Rayner, Lewis Taylor and Matt Eagles scoring.

Hawthorn ball- magnet Tom Mitchell ( 46 disposals), Liam Shiels ( 28 disposals), Smith ( 25 touches and two goals) and Jack Gunston ( four goals) led the charge for the Hawks but they got too little from too many.

With Hodge further stamping his influence by rallying Brisbane’s defence, the Lions kicked away from the Hawks in the third quarter.

Jack Gunston kicked his third goal to put the visitors within five points but it was all Brisbane after that.

They ran harder, played smarter and moved the football nicely and were rewarded with the next four goals with Hipwood, Cutler, Charlie Cameron and Beams cashing in as Brisbane extended their lead to 32 points.