IPSWICH, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 25: Jade Ellenger of the Lions celebrates the victory on the final siren during the AFLW First Preliminary Final match between Brisbane Lions and Geelong Cats at Brighton Homes Arena, on November 25, 2023, in Ipswich, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
Match Preview: Hawks vs Lions
Last time we met the mighty fighting hawks, it wasn’t our finest afternoon. After trailing by 17 points at half-time, the Hawks flipped the game with a dominant six-goal third quarter and ran away with it.
However, that’s history and this week our boys are ready to rewrite history. Sunday afternoon will be our first game against the Hawks at Marvel Stadium since 2000 and its a match-up that will arguably shape the second half of the season for whichever side wins.
Not to mention we have a pretty solid record at Marvel, winning nine of our last eleven games there, and we know with our Vic fans out in force that our Lions will be ready to roar!
Brandon Ryan’s Lions Debut!
Sticksy Ryan will come full circle when he runs out at Marvel Stadium.
The 200-centimetre forward who played three AFL matches for the Hawks after being selected in the 2023 Mid-Season Rookie Draft, arrived at the Lions’ den on the final day of last year’s Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period, which saw Jack Gunston return to the Hawks.
Now after five VFL appearances in the maroon, blue and gold the 26-year-old gets his chance at AFL level as a Lion.
We wish him the best of luck and know Lions fans will be eager to see what he can bring against his old side.
They might not line up side by side on each other but both men will be pivotal in their own right come Sunday.
Day, who had a delayed start to the season has found his form after four games back. The 22-year-old overcame stress fractures in his foot and showcased his near-best performance with 27 disposals and a goal, despite his team narrowly missing out on their fourth win in five games.
On the other side, our man Kai has steadily made his mark, playing every match for the Lions this year. The lively forward kicked a career-high five goals last week, earning the Rising Star nomination. Lohmann is starting to fulfil his promise just as the Lions need their young talents to step up. As these two promising players face off, it promises to be a thrilling contest.
