TODAY’s double header of AFLW Finals action begins with a clash between a finals debutant having a breakout season, and a perennial contender trying to keep its premiership defence alive.

1:05pm AEDT
Ikon Park

Recent form

Hawthorn come into today’s clash off a stellar home and away season, and will be looking to make an impact in their debut finals match. Brisbane meanwhile is back in yet another finals campaign, and have had yet another stellar season, only dropping the two matches all season.

Last time they met

Since Hawthorn came into the competition in Season 7, these two have met twice prior to today’s clash. However, the head to head ledger reads more pleasantly for Brisbane than it does for Hawthorn.

First time around Brisbane won by nine goals, then second time around – Round  5 last season – the Lions won by 27 points in what was a better performance from the Hawks, but an inaccurate one from Brisbane meaning it could have been far worse.

Key stat areas

Although Hawthorn has been doing better than Brisbane so far this season in terms of racking up inside 50s, the Lions have been more efficient once inside 50.

When it comes to clearances, each side is stronger than the other in one type of clearance. For Hawthorn it is stoppage clearances, while for Brisbane it is centre clearances. However, the gap between the pair in both categories is not high, so may not be much of an advantage.

Key match up/s

These two have some of the most exciting forward combinations in the competition, and both forward lines are so important to their sides in terms of achieving success.

For the home side, the Irish combination of Aine McDonagh and Aileen Gilroy has really grown in connection and danger factor this season. For the visiting reigning premiers, Taylor Smith has really grown this year, and works well in tandem with the smaller forwards at her feet such as Courtney Hodder.