Brisbane coach Michael Voss says Hawks the team to beat

BRISBANE coach Michael Voss says Hawthorn is the best team in the competition.

THE AFL'S heavyweights all filled their socks in Round 18 but Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss reckons there is one contender who is a class ahead of the rest.

Hawthorn's thumping win against Essendon, without Coleman Medal favourite Lance Franklin, was a reminder of its potential.

Sydney, Geelong and Collingwood scored impressive wins, while the West Coast Eagles had their way with Voss's Lions.

Hawthorn, however, was the outfit that attracted Voss's admiration.

"They're the standout team,'' he said.

"If they maintain their form, they're top end is a bit better than everyone else's.''

The 1996 Brownlow Medallist qualified his appraisal of the Hawks.

Firstly, Hawthorn must successfully navigate clashes with the Cats, Swans and Eagles over the remaining five home-and-away fixtures.

And, once in the finals, they cannot crumble in a tight top eight.

"We know they have to replicate that (form) under the most intense pressure of all, and that's finals,'' Voss said.

"It's probably rare when there's a season with so much focus on percentage.

"It wouldn't surprise me if someone won a premiership from fifth.

"The teams up the top have shown a capability to beat each other."

The Lions host Richmond on Saturday night, with the home side sweating on the availability of key defender Matt Maguire who injured his ankle in the heavy loss to West Coast.