‘Smashed, outplayed, outhunted’: Lions put the Hawks, and the rest of the AFL, on notice

August 7, 2026 — 11:54pm

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In the ultimate response to a harrowing evening against Carlton last round, best mates Logan Morris and Kai Lohmann shone brightest on the night Chris Fagan’s side proved just how alive their three-peat hopes really are.

The Lions sent shockwaves through the competition with a 67-point drubbing of the Hawks, 18.17 (125) to 8.10 (58) – leaving some of the game’s greats in awe.

“This is the team you don’t want to be meeting in September,” said Australian Football Hall of Fame Legend Jason Dunstall, the Hawks’ all-time leading goalkicker who grew up in Queensland, in his role with Kayo Sports.

“Whenever Hawthorn had it, Brisbane were on them, and they were on them big-time.

“This was a punishing victory... one that’s re-awakened the spirit within the whole group.

“If they get into the top four with a double chance, look out.

“They [Brisbane] took on a team that many had thought might be ready to challenge, and they showed them in no uncertain terms that they have a long way to go.”

Melbourne great and fellow Australian Football Hall of Famer Garry Lyon said the Hawks, meanwhile, had been “smashed”, “outplayed and outhunted”.

“It looked a little bit too hard for them, which is a staggering thing to say about this Hawthorn side who have been so good for so long,” he said on Kayo.

Never one to get too carried away with a single game’s result, Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell said he was “pretty honest” to his playing group in the aftermath.

“I thought we were outclassed tonight. I think we’re better than that.

“Brisbane are obviously a good side, they’ve won the last couple [of premierships] and they’re setting themselves again, so we saw it as........

© The Sydney Morning Herald