Hawks captain James Sicily facing ban after tackle that knocked Brisbane Lion’s Hugh McCluggage out

Hawthorn has responded to their 55-point belting at the hands of Port Adelaide in the best way possible, shocking the Brisbane Lions 15.8 (98) to 11.7 (73) at the MCG.

But the gloss could be swiftly taken off the win with star defender James Sicily likely to attract attention from the MRO after an ugly tackle that left Lion Hugh McCluggage lying prone on the MCG.

The Hawks captain had just returned from a one-match ban for a bump on St Kilda’s Anthony Caminiti and could be set for another stint on the sidelines. 

McCluggage’s head was slammed into the deck in a late scramble for the ball and stay prone for several minutes as he received medical attention.

The game was then held up for several more minutes as he insisted on walking around the entire boundary of the MCG instead of using the medicab.

‘If he was going to walk, why walk around the boundary? The game can’t start till he’s at the bench – just walk straight through the middle of the ground lol,’ one fan posted.

McCluggage walked around almost the entire MCG boundary to get back to the Brisbane bench in the final quarter

McCluggage was left prone on the MCG deck for several minutes while trainers and medical officials checked him for neck damage

Others questioned why Lions officials allowed a clearly injured player to walk that far when assistance was available.

‘Think Brisbane should have a bit to answer here. No neck brace, and he could barely stand but didn’t use the cart,’ a fan posted.

The incident comes after St Kilda forward Dan Butler was offered a one-match ban for a tackle that went wrong against Sydney that saw Nick Blakey’s head slam into the ground.

‘If Butler got a week surely Sicily does as well,’ one fan posted. 

‘IF Butler got a week THEN this is life imprisonment with no parole.’ added another.

If Sicily is sidelined again, it will be a heavy loss for the resurgent Hawks that have now won two from their last three games.

He finished with 32 disposals and 12 marks in a starring performance for the young Hawthorn side that is now surging up the AFL ladder.

James Sicily had just returned from a one-match ban and may face more time on the sidelines under the AFL’s crackdown on dangerous tackles

Hawks players celebrate their second win in three starts, rebounding from being pumped by Port Adelaide to shock the Brisbane Lions

In their first outing at the home of the grand final this season, the Lions never looked comfortable against the Hawks, who have won three of their last four games.

Trailing by 17 at halftime, Hawthorn opened the game up with six goals to two in the third quarter as midfielder Jai Newcombe swung momentum in the Hawks’ favour.

The Lions booted the first goal of the final term 30 seconds in through Linc McCarthy but Hawthorn lifted again as Dylan Moore’s goal from the pocket late secured the 15.8 (98) to 11.7 (73) upset to make it four-straight victories over Brisban

The Lions were a man down on the bench for the rest of the match after already subbing out veteran Daniel Rich for Keidean Coleman.

The result raises serious questions about if the fourth-placed Lions can end their 20-year premiership drought.

Chris Fagan was an assistant during the Hawks recent glory years but has been unable to find success in Melbourne with the Brisbane Lions

Hawks coach Sam Mitchell was not expected to achieve much with a young rebuilding roster but is producing shock results as Hawthorn surges up the ladder

Brisbane have won just once in their last 14 outings at the MCG, with their only victory at the ground coming in extraordinary fashion when they upset Melbourne in last year’s semi-final.

The Lions are unbeaten at their Gabba fortress this year, including wins against Collingwood and Melbourne, but have lost their last two matches to drop to 8-4 and further adrift of the Magpies and Port Adelaide in the top two.

Hawthorn’s key forwards were outstanding, with Mitch Lewis (four goals) and Jacob Koschitzke (three) causing havoc for Brisbane’s defence.

Eric Hipwood was the Lions’ most threatening forward, kicking four goals during a super period late in the second quarter and early in the third.

Brisbane will back up on Friday night when they host Sydney at the Gabba, while Hawthorn have the bye before travelling to play Gold Coast in round 15.