Poised to secure their best ladder position since a second-placed finish in 2004, Chris Fagan's Lions have capitalised on years of rebuilding to emerge as a genuine premiership threat.

Star midfield recruits Lachie Neale and Jarryd Lyons have led the way in a magnificent 12-5 season, and could lock in their side's first finals appearance since 2009 with a win this weekend.

Such a result would likely kill off the Hawks' finals hopes, which hang by a thread despite a hot run of form in the past month culminating in Sunday's win over ladder-leader Geelong.

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The Hawks have a sublime record at UTAS Stadium - losing just 13 times in 63 games - but have found the the Lions a bogey side in recent years.

The Lions and Richmond are the only two sides to have won their past three fixtures against the Hawks, one of which was a 33-point upset at UTAS Stadium last year.

That match saw Eric Hipwood and 2017's number one draft pick Cam Rayner announce themselves to Launceston footy fans with three goals apiece, while fellow young guns Hugh McCluggage and Alex Witherden combined for 56 touches.

Saturday will also likely mark Luke Hodge's final game in Launceston - an occasion which has already been celebrated once in 2017.

The 35-year-old has since gone on to record a better win-loss record against Hawthorn than he achieved with them, but is yet to beat his former side at UTAS.

Hodge's four-time premiership teammate Grant Birchall missed last weekend's win over Geelong but could replace injured speedster Jarman Impey (ACL) after making his long-awaited return in Launceston in round 17.

The 31-year-old was a late withdrawal from the Cats game after experiencing delayed onset soreness, but will be given until Thursday to prove his fitness.

Birchall will be one of several Tasmanians preparing to play key roles in the match, with Fagan and former Northern Bombers boss Zane Littlejohn set to influence from the Lions coaching box and tough mid Mitch Robinson in career-best form after signing a two-year extension last week.

Saturday's clash will be one of UTAS Stadium's last football games before it undergoes resurfacing works.