TV: Fox Sports
Sportingbet says: Hawthorn $1.07 Brisbane $8.50
Why watch?
A star is gawwwwn. So how will Hawthorn cope with life after Buddy Franklin? The premiers can at least roll the arm over first-up against a Brisbane side clearly in rebuilding mode under new coach Justin Leppitsch.
Match notes
- Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson signs a two-year contract extension to remain in charge of the premiers
- Justin Leppitsch to make AFL senior coaching debut with Brisbane
- Hawthorn duo Brian Lake and Cyril Rioli are suspended. Lake is due to return in round 4 and Rioli in round 2
Say what?
"It's an enormous privilege to coach this great club, and I'm looking forward to the next few years," Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson on his new deal which if completed will take his tenure to 12 seasons in charge.
Key injuries
Ryan Schoenmakers - Haw - knee
Brad Sewell - Haw - hamstring
Ben Stratton - Haw - hamstring
Jonathan Brown - Bris - foot
Luke McGuane - Bris - knee
Claye Beams - Bris - foot
Brent Staker - Bris - calf
Last 5 games (includes 2013 season)
Hawthorn
W 14 North Melbourne
W 12 Sydney
W 54 Sydney
W 5 Geelong
W 15 Fremantle
Brisbane
W 31 St Kilda
L 23 Richmond
W 60 GWS
W 7 Western Bulldogs
L 1 Geelong
Last 5 between clubs
Bris-Haw-Haw-Haw-Haw
Fantasy factoid
Tom Rockliff has been Brisbane's leading possession-getter in seven of their past eight AFL matches.
Cold hard fact
The Lions have won just one of their past eight against the Hawks.