The Hawks have struggled with consistency in the first part of the season and are coming off a thumping 73-point loss to Moyston-Willaura in round five.

Great Western has struggled at times but with a new coaching group and some new players, it was never going to be easy for the Lions early on.

The team will be hoping for a better performance on Saturday after it lost to Glenthompson-Dunkeld by 70 points in the previous round.

The home team is only two spots above the Lions on top of the ladder, with one extra win to its name.

With just over a month until the mid season bye, the Hawks will have a chance to get some continuity into the team and try and settle into a best 22 that is regularly available.

The reigning premiers will no doubt focus on the contested ball and winning it from the middle, meaning the Lions will need to be at their defensive best to stop the quick transition.

Win or lose, this will be another important step in the Lions’ development, playing against such an experienced team and will no doubt learn a lot from the match-up. The match starts at 2.15pm at Tatyoon Recreation Reserve.