A NUMBER of Michael Voss’s off-season recruits have starred in the Brisbane Lions’ 11-point NAB Challenge win over Hawthorn at Southport on Friday night, while the Hawks have been encouraged by a recruit of their own.

Defender Josh Gibson was among Hawthorn’s best, holding Brendan Fevola goalless, while recycled Lions Brent Staker (three goals), Matt Maguire and Andrew Raines were standouts.

The Lions ran out 7.14 (56) to 6.9 (45) winners on a windy day at Southport that saw most forwards on the ground struggle. Lance Franklin kicked two goals and Rhan Hooper opened the Hawks' account against his old side, but it wasn’t a day for the goal kickers.

Hawthorn’s Jarryd Roughead left the ground with a knee injury, but it was only precautionary and the Hawks said the key forward would be available for round one.

The Lions, who were also pleased with Daniel Merrett, Travis Johnstone and James Hawksley, escaped without any injuries, with Simon Black, Luke Power and Josh Drummond all getting through their first pre-season hit-outs unscathed.

Drummond said the win was the Lions’ best of the pre-season and would hold them in good stead ahead of a round one clash with West Coast at the Gabba. 

“We had Matty Maguire and [Andrew] Raines down back and they were superb today and Brent Staker as that third tall forward,” Drummond said.

“We put a lot of focus on this week’s game trying to focus in on the things we’ve practiced this off-season. We did those things reasonably well today.”

With Gibson holding Fevola, Hawthorn youngster Ryan Schoenmakers was set the task of manning Jonathan Brown and he kept the Lions’ skipper to one goal. The Hawks were also pleased with Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell, Chance Bateman and Brent Renouf.

Hawks assistant coach Ross Smith said Renouf’s performance in the ruck was pleasing, while Wayde Skipper gave the side a mobile ruck option in the half that he played.

“We’ve obviously lost a couple of rucks in recent times and I think Renouf was always going to contribute,” Smith said.

“[In his] fourth year at the club he was always going to step up.

“Gibson’s given it everything he’s got every game we’ve played and he’s been in our best players the last two games, so we’re really pleased with the way he’s going in that centre half-back position.”

The Hawks meet Melbourne at the MCG in round one and Smith said the side’s attack on the ball was encouraging with the season opener looming.

“We probably haven’t been overly excited with the intent we’ve shown the last couple of weeks, but we really wanted to get some of that today and we did.”