Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan is sure his players have not forgotten the upset hiding Hawthorn dished out to them in Launceston last year.

The Brisbane Lions need no reminder of the AFL challenge Hawthorn presents in Launceston.

Chris Fagan's team was blown off UTAS Stadium last year as the Hawks started strongly to record an upset 12-point win.

The second-placed Lions are roaring after their best start to a season since Fitzroy went 8-1 in 1948 but the 3-6 Hawks remain a genuine danger.

"I worked at Hawthorn and I think we got beaten three times in nine years (in Launceston) ... their record isn't as good lately and it isn't the fortress it once was but'it's still a big challenge," Fagan said.

"Hawthorn on their day can beat anyone, this year they've beaten Geelong, Port Adelaide in Adelaide, they've taken it up to a lot of teams and play a very fast style sort of footy.

"Our energy was down (last year), theirs was up and that was the game and we had all the energy in the last quarter.

"It's critical to start well because they are a fast-starting team."

Both teams will be missing star personnel with key defender Marcus Adams in COVID protocols for the Lions while three-time premiership player Jack Gunston is on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

But the Hawks do regain speedy Changkuoth Jiath and Brownlow medallist Tom Mitchell.

Hawthorn have lost their last four matches after a scintillating victory over rivals Geelong on Easter Thursday.

Jiath's last appearance was against the Cats and he was a major reason why the Hawks opened the season by winning three of their first five games.

The Lions will try inexperienced pair Jack Payne and Tom Fullarton in defence in place of Adams.