Ruck and Midfield Assistant Coach Ben Hudson said the whole Club was thrilled with the win over Hawthorn on Sunday.

“We are all pleased with the win. To get the guys singing the song for the first time this year was terrific,” Hudson said.

“If you hang around the Club from Monday to Friday, we are always a really positive group, but the win is a great reward for effort.

“We will see if we can continue that this weekend against the Swans.”

The Lions attack really clicked on Sunday, and Hudson echoed Chris Fagan’s statements about the tall forwards working well together.

“They [Hipwood, McStay and McInerney] have had a few weeks to gel now. With any side it’s that continuity of playing together that breeds success,” he said.

“We’ve got a bit more size up there now, so we should be able to mark it or create that contest for our small forwards, who are doing a terrific job.”

It’s often an overlooked position on the ground, but a strong performance by the Lions’ wingers on the weekend made a big difference to the outcome of the game.

“Cutler, Bundy and Bailey all played a really crucial role. We know Hawthorn’s wingers are vital in their success.”

“We did a terrific job and they were able to impact on the scoreboard really well.”

The Lions should definitely have an advantage in the ruck and midfield this Saturday, with the Swans missing their key ruckman Sam Naismith who tore his ACL just before the season.

“Stef and the midfield group have been in really good form. To Sydney’s credit, Sinclair has been able to step up.”

“Their midfield group as a whole is very one-on-one, and they pride themselves on the hunt and the contest. It should be a pivotal challenge for the group this week.”