<p>It’s a top-four battle to savour in the twilight at the MCG as Hawthorn welcomes the Brisbane Lions.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Hawks put in a commendable performance up in Darwin against the Suns, and on a few occasions, nearly accomplished what not many teams do—get over the line. Ultimately, they fell eight points short on the night but didn’t lose any fans thanks to their effort on a short turnaround and in a trip where no one tends to win.&nbsp;</p> <p>This leaves them in an intriguing position as they enter a month of footy that will significantly define Hawthorn's season. Despite sitting at 7-3 and firmly entrenched in the top eight, they have only managed to defeat one top eight team in their seven victories. The clash against the Lions kicks off a month’s worth of games that will reveal much about these Hawks and their capabilities.&nbsp;</p> <p>Brisbane coach Chris Fagan would have been thoroughly frustrated by the Lions' last fortnight. They escaped Tasmania with a draw against the Roos—a match they ought to have lost—before letting a comfortable 24-point lead slip away as they were run down by the Dees at home at the Gabba.&nbsp;</p> <p>They were comfortably on top of the ladder despite not playing anywhere close to their best football, and now they find themselves in need of a win or two to steady the ship.&nbsp;</p> <p>It’s a mid-season blockbuster where the victor can take a step towards securing a top-four position at the end of the season. A win against a ‘like type’ and one you expect to face down the line in September, holds significant weight.</p> <p>After resting several players for their recent trip to Darwin, the Hawks are set to welcome back up to four senior players. Jack Gunston and Lloyd Meek were given a rest for the clash, while defender Jarman Impey remained behind to miss the match for the birth of his first child.&nbsp;</p> <p>Conor Nash has completed his four-match suspension and should rejoin the lineup.&nbsp;</p> <p>For the Lions, a couple of changes are anticipated with Jarrod Berry now out of concussion protocols and ready to regain his position in the side. Ruckman Oscar McInerney should also be fit to return after being withdrawn from the Lions' clash with the Dees due to soreness.</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Hawks vs Lions prediction and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Hawthorn vs Brisbane Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Hawthorn Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: James Sicily, Tom Barass, Blake Hardwick</p> <p>HB: Jarman Impey, Josh Battle, Josh Weddle</p> <p>C: Karl Amon, Conor Nash, Massimo D’Ambrosio</p> <p>HF: Jack Ginnivan, Jack Gunston, Dylan Moore</p> <p>F: Connor Macdonald, Mabior Chol, Nick Watson</p> <p>Foll: Lloyd Meek, Jai Newcombe, James Worpel</p> <p>Int: Josh Ward, Calsher Dear, Cam Mackenzie, Finn Maginnes, Changkuoth Jiath</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Brisbane Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Dayne Zorko, Jack Payne, Ryan Lester</p> <p>HB: Noah Answerth, Harris Andrews, Keidean Coleman</p> <p>C: Jaspa Fletcher, Jarrod Berry, Hugh McCluggage</p> <p>HF: Zac Bailey, Eric Hipwood, Will Ashcroft</p> <p>F: Cam Rayner, Logan Morris, Charlie Cameron</p> <p>Foll: Oscar McInerney, Josh Dunkley, Lachie Neale</p> <p>Int: Kai Lohmann, Darcy Wilmot, Levi Ashcroft, Conor McKenna, Darcy Gardiner</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Hawthorn vs Brisbane Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>Hawthorn has dominated the head-to-head battles recently, winning the last five matches against the Lions.</p> <p>This will also be just the third time since 2010 that the Hawks have hosted the Lions at the MCG, with this fixture usually slated for Tasmania.&nbsp;</p> <p>According to Wheelo Ratings, the Hawks are rated slightly better on both offence and defence than the Lions, which tells the story of the eye test rather than what the ladder suggests that these are two evenly matched sides.</p> <p>The inclusion of Nash for the Hawks after his ban will be important for the Hawks to stop the Lions' engine room, which hasn’t had a good time of it lately. Despite batting as deep as any team, the Lions have been badly beaten up around the stoppages over the past two weeks. Every time they have won the clearance battle this season, they have won, so it’s an easy metric for Chris Fagan to point to for a sharp improvement.</p> <p>We expect it to be tight but we’re inclined to tip the Hawks for two reasons. 1 - the MCG and 2 - they look to be traveling just that bit better at the moment.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/hawthorn-v-brisbane-lions-9208270">Hawks</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>Mabior Chol decided the top end was the place to pull out the moves and evasiveness last week, but has built to be a more than serviceable key target for the Hawks once again this season through the absences of both Calsher Dear and Mitch Lewis.</p> <p>With Dear now back in the team and Lewis edging closer to a return, the big man, with 20 goals to his name already needs to keep performing. We’re backing him to get the jump on Harris Andrews early.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/hawthorn-v-brisbane-lions-9208270">Mabior Chol</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>While the Lions might not have had success over the Hawks in recent times, skipper Lachie Neale has done his bit and had some big days. The dual Brownlow Medallist has averaged 28 disposals in each of his past three matches against the Hawks. He’s our pick to go big again.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/hawthorn-v-brisbane-lions-9208270">Lachie Neale 30+ disposals</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Hawthorn Hawks vs Brisbane Lions Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date: </strong>Saturday, May 24th</p> <p><strong>First Bounce:</strong> 4:15 PM, AEST</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> MCG, Melbourne</p> <p><strong>How to watch: </strong>Fox Footy/Kayo Sport</p>