Sam Mitchell prepares Hawthorn for a preliminary final against Brisbane

Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell leads his team into a preliminary final bout against Brisbane this Saturday. The Hawks secured their place in the match after overcoming Fremantle in a qualifying final at Optus Stadium. Mitchell faces a significant tactical challenge, as he must devise a strategy to limit the influence of Lions midfielders and backline players. Brisbane enters the contest coming off a semi-final victory over Adelaide. Elsewhere, former Melbourne ruckmen Luke Jackson and Brodie Grundy are set to face one another during the preliminary final between the Swans and the Dockers. Both players are considered to be in career-best form as they compete for a spot in this year's Grand Final.

• 7:28 AMAFL — Cal-culations: The Hawks' mastermind faces his ultimate test