However the margin seemed terribly unfair on a gallant Lions side under Justin Leppitsch for the first time.
What Happened
Hawthorn unveiled their premiership flag down in Lonnie but the reigning champs found the going tough against as Brisbane well and truly came out to play. While an undermanned Lions were obliterated by Hawthorn in their first NAB Challenge match, this affair proved a completely different kettle of fish as Brisbane applied some serious pressure and prevented the Hawks from scoring a single point until the game's seventh minute and even that was a rushed behind.
The Hawks unfurled their 2013 premiership flag before the match. Photo: Getty
Hawthorn gradually found their groove after Tim O'Brien – wearing Buddy and Dermie's old 23 jumper – slotted the Hawks' opener with his first kick in footy. But the game was a fairly even affair right up until half-time, despite the Hawks leading by 22 points at the main change. An argument could even be raised for Brisbane being the better side at that stage but Hawthorn's better efficiency (69 percent effectiveness to 63) was proving telling.
The third quarter proved an absolutely absorbing contest as the Lions booted five of the first seven goals – two apiece coming from Sam Mayes and Trent West. West's two goals in two minutes saw the margin reduced down to just two points but all good sides can lift a cog when needed and the Hawks can certainly do that. Former Saint Ben McEvoy set up a goal for Jarryd Roughead to stem the tide before the big Rough helped Luke Breust to one of his five goals to give the Hawks some breathing space.
The Lions kept on coming, though, but were their own worst enemy as Jonathan Brown missed an absolute sitter. Having taken a gutsy mark with the flight, all the skipper needed to do was drill the goal from 25 out to give his side plenty of momentum heading into the final term. Instead he hooked it and from there the Hawks ran away with the match in a 21.13 (139) to 13.13 (91) result.
Fallout
Roughead's ankle will be monitored during the week after he seemed to injure it in the first term when trapped under an opponent. He still played out the match and kicked five goals himself, but the Hawks won't be taking any risks. Grant Birchall may also come under scrutiny from the MRP for his clash with Matthew Leunberger.
Hope They're In My Fantasy Team
Birchall picked up 31 disposals as he rebounded off half-back but the Hawks best fantasy performer was veteran Jordan Lewis, who picked up 22 possessions and had seven tackles. Breust and Roughie with five goals apiece were handy as well while recently re-signed Lions midfielder Tom Rockliff enjoyed a solid day with 19 disposals and three goals.
What's Next
Hawthorn don't have much time to recover as they're due a Friday night date with Essendon at Etihad next Friday night. Brisbane, meanwhile, face Geelong at the Gabba next Sunday.