The line up

B: Hodge, Andrews, Gardiner
HB: Rich, Cutler, Witherden
C: Taylor, Robinson, Zorko
HF: Rayner, Hipwood, McCluggage
F: Christensen, McStay, Cameron
FOLL: Martin, Berry, D.Beams
I/C (from): Keays, Walker, Robertson, Mayes, Bailey, Eagles, Barrett, McInerney

IN: Keays, Walker, Mayes, Barrett
OUT: Nil

 

What to expect 

The Brisbane Lions are yet to record their first win of the season, having struggled in multiple key areas of the game so far in 2018. 

The Lions rank 18th for contested possessions, with zero players inside the league’s 35 best contested ball-winners. 

This effort has multiple ripple effects towards others areas of their play. 

They are averaging the second-least forward 50 entries with only two sides recording fewer marks inside 50 than the Lions, who are taking just 9.9 grabs in their forward zone per game.

Defensively, Chris Fagan’s side has been too easily penetrated.

Only Carlton has conceded more points than Brisbane, who are allowing their opposition just shy of 100 points per game. 

Yet, having said all of this, the Lions’ 0-8 record could be slightly deceiving. 

They have got themselves in winning positions on multiple occasions throughout the first two months of the season. 

They fell five points short of Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval in Round 3, five points short of the Gold Coast in Round 5 and seven points short of Collingwood in Round 7. 

Brisbane’s numbers don’t stack up overly flatteringly in some areas, but they are due for a win and, if taken lightly, could surprise the Hawks in Round 9.

Read: The last time we met Brisbane 

Players to watch

The highest disposal average of any Lion with 24.6 per game, Dayne Beams is one of his side’s Rolls Royces. 

At his best, Beams is one of the competition’s most damaging midfielders with his ability to gather big numbers while also make his opposition hurt on the scoreboard. 

The 28-year old’s form has been somewhat sporadic over the first eight rounds but the Lions captain nevertheless remains one to watch. 

Charlie Cameron has been outstanding for the Lions this year.

The former Adelaide Crow is averaging career-highs in disposals (14.4 per game), marks (5.1) and goals (1.9) in his first season at the Gabba.

Leading the Lions goalkicking ranks currently, Cameron is coming off arguably his best game in Lions colours so far against the Western Bulldogs last week and will be hoping to emulate that performance this week against the Hawks.