1. Can the Hawks handle the heat?
While the Lions will be bringing plenty of pressure on Saturday, how the Hawks handle the actual heat will be a big factor.
It’s been a wet, windy, cold week at Waverley Park – and it’s meant to be warm, sunny and humid this weekend in Brisbane.
Most of Hawthorn’s side will have never played at the Gabba before, and how the Hawks cope with the ground and conditions will have a big impact on the result.
2. Who wins the contested ball?
The Hawks were beaten in the contest last week against Sydney Swans, and it’s been an ongoing area for improvement throughout 2016.
While the Lions rank 18th in the competition for disposals per game, there is little separating the sides for contested possessions – the Hawks narrowly ahead with 137.9 per game compared to the Lions’ 135.6 per game.
How the likes of Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis and Will Langford compete against Mitch Robinson, Dayne Zorko and Daniel Rich could be critical.
3. How will the Lions manage the Hawks’ small forwards?
Very rarely in 2016 have the Hawks’ dangerous brigade of small forwards been kept quiet.
The Lions will have a task on their hands in limiting the influence of Luke Breust, Paul Puopolo and Cyril Rioli, who have combined for 43 goals this year.
The trio only managed a goal each last week, and will have their sights set on a big afternoon.
4. Records in big milestones
In recent years, Hawthorn’s record in big milestones is pretty good.
In Shaun Burgoyne’s 300th earlier this year, the Hawks posted a win, as they did in the respective 250th matches of Brian Lake, Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell and Burgoyne throughout 2014 and 2015.
If that track record is anything to go by, the Hawks will be determined to perform for Jordan Lewis in his 250th this weekend.
5. Disposal efficiency critical
Using the ball effectively will be a focus for the Hawks this week.
Against the Swans, the Hawks efficiency dropped from a season average of 74.2 per cent to 69.8 per cent.
When the Hawks are at their best, the likes of Mitchell, Lewis, Isaac Smith and Grant Birchall are getting plenty of the ball, and setting up the play with trademark precision.
