“In the end, we just lost spirit and faith in the way we wanted to play.”

That was the message out of Alastair Clarkson’s press conference, following his side’s 33-point loss to Brisbane.

The Hawks were ahead at half time, in more statistics than just the scoreboard, but a 10 goal to three second half in favour of the Lions saw them run away with a comfortable win.

“We just wasted so many chances,” Clarkson rued after the game.

“We had 30 inside 50s to 18 at half time, and we were only a goal or two in front.

“We should have been able to put some sort of margin between the two sides.”

Read: Match report - Hawks v Lions

In the end, it was a matter of one side capitalising on their opportunities in front of goal.

“We couldn’t take our chances, and Brisbane could take theirs.” 

Midfielders Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O’Meara played their part in keeping the Hawks in the hunt, with Mitchell racking up a stunning 29 disposals in the first half (finishing with 43), while O’Meara booted a career-high four goals. 

But the Lions’ contribution was more evenly spread, finishing with nine goal kickers to the Hawks’ five, along with a flood of strong performances from their youngsters. 

“When you look at all the stats… all the statistics are reasonably even,” Clarkson said.

“It’s just which team had the polish to finish their work better, and that was the Brisbane side, unfortunately for us.

“They’d be stoked with their performance, running out the game particularly in foreign territory, and we’re really disappointed in ours. 

The Hawks now look ahead to a must-win clash against Carlton next week at Etihad Stadium, as Clarkson’s men look to stay in the hunt for September action.