Hodge's Lions topple Hawks in AFL upset

Luke Hodge has helped the Brisbane Lions to their first win of the season in a massive upset against his former club Hawthorn at the Gabba.

Eric Hipwood of the Lions takes a mark during the Round 9.

Brisbane's Eric Hipwood scored four goals against Hawthorn in the Lions first win of the AFL season. (AAP)

Brisbane have stormed home to thump Hawthorn by 56 points for their first AFL win this season, with former Hawk Luke Hodge instrumental in the upset.

Hodge's young Lions looked like being blown off the park when Hawthorn kicked four easy goals in the first 10 minutes on Sunday.

But the hosts rallied in the Gabba shoot-out, sprinting clear in the third term and showing no nerves despite eight losses to start the year to thump the powerhouse club 20.9 (129) to 11.7 (73).

The Lions kicked four straight goals in a decisive third quarter, with Hugh McCluggage's (27 disposals) career game powering the hosts forward.

Eric Hipwood (four goals), Tom Cutler (three) and Charlie Cameron (two) were the major benefactors.

Hodge rebounded expertly and his teammates did the rest despite another 46-disposal hall from Hawks ball magnet Tom Mitchell and four goals to Jack Gunston.

The former Hawthorn premiership captain soaked up the occasion, twice interviewed by Channel 7 on the sideline during play in an AFL first.

"We just got that bit of nourishment you get from winning a game of football," Brisbane coach and former Hawthorn staffer Chris Fagan said.

"It reinforces what you're trying to do, that we're on the right track.

"It's been a long time since the Lions have been able to beat the Hawks, I think back in 2009 when I was with them (as head of coaching)."

The Hawks, fifth at the start of the round, fell to 5-4 this season.

"We just lost our way a bit," Hawks coach Alistair Clarkson said.

"We couldn't change the momentum of the game; we tried a lot of things but to their credit they didn't allow us to get back into the contest.

"They're a big side and they controlled the game in the air."

The Lions had been close in six of their eight previous losses this season but there was no repeat this time, with 28-year-old rookie defender Matt Eagles capping a perfect night with his first AFL goal.

Former Adelaide Crow Cameron's pressure was immense and he was rewarded with a snapping goal early as the 20,628-strong crowd started to believe.

The efficient Lions defied the statistics in the first quarter, keeping within five points despite the Hawks notching more than double the amount of disposals and nearly double the tackles.

Gunston still ensured a fast start, kicking two and setting up another as the visitors kicked four in 10 minutes.

Cameron's hanger in defence was a sign of things to come though, as Hipwood kicked a quick couple.

Then Dayne Zorko, who had 30 touches and 11 tackles, goaled to get the Lions rolling.


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Source: AAP



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