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Brisbane Lions brace for big AFL road trip

Oliver CaffreyAAP
The Brisbane Lions are firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish in the AFL.
Camera IconThe Brisbane Lions are firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish in the AFL. Credit: AAP

The Brisbane Lions will head straight to Perth after their hit-and-run mission in Tasmania against Hawthorn as they brace for what could be a season-defining stretch.

After boosting their hopes of a top-four finish with a memorable comeback victory over Gold Coast, Chris Fagan's men will go on the road again before finishing the regular season with two home games at their Gabba fortress.

The Lions will face off with the Hawks in Launceston on Sunday, before immediately flying west for their round 21 game against Fremantle at Optus Stadium.

Mitch Robinson believes the dominant second-half domination of the Suns, when they reeled in a 27-point deficit, has given the Lions a major confidence boost after consecutive defeats saw them drop out of the top four.

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The Lions will likely need to win all four of their remaining games and hope Port Adelaide lose at least one to secure a finals double chance for the third-straight year.

They have faced a variety of different challenges this year, including being stuck in Victoria for three weeks after their round-two game in Geelong despite initially planning to return to Brisbane straight away.

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"The uncertainty in the past where we don't pack for three-or-four weeks (and end up being away longer) is a stressful time, but we know we've got two big games on the road and we want to get both those wins," Robinson told reporters.

"We can't look past Hawthorn but we're ready for this.

"We understand about being in these situations where you've got to play all across the country."

A number of key Lions players returned to form against the Suns, including ruckman Oscar McInerney.

"(McInerney) lowered his colours the week before (against Richmond)," Robinson said.

"He put his hand up for that and really wanted to come out and set the tone and he did that from the start.

"We love the big O."

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