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Brisbane coach Chris Fagan says the Lions are not getting ahead of themselves despite showing their AFL finals credentials with a gutsy win over Hawthorn.

For the first time in 10 years, Brisbane are on track to play AFL finals footy.

Not that you could tell speaking to Lions coach Chris Fagan.

The Brisbane mentor wants to keep a lid on expectation after the Lions soared to a 7-4 record with a gutsy 19-point Gabba win over Hawthorn on Saturday night.

That sounded easier said than done.

After round 11 - the season's halfway mark - the Lions will sit in either fourth or fifth.

And statistically more than 80 per cent of teams who enjoy a 7-4 start have gone on to make the finals in the top eight era since 1994.

It would mark the first finals berth for the once mighty three-time premiers since 2009.

Yet Fagan wasn't taking anything for granted, refusing to even look at the AFL ladder.

"I can't control expectations. People will no doubt talk us up. We will stick with week to week," he said.

"We have Carlton next week and people will say we should win that game but when you look at quarters won this year Carlton are nowhere near the worst team.

"We will approach that game with tremendous respect. We won't take any game for granted because we are not that good."

Still, there was plenty to like in their come-from-behind win over Hawthorn.

The Hawks kicked five unanswered first-term goals before the Lions clawed their way back, only hitting the lead for the first time with a kick after the third quarter siren.

But in contrast to the last fortnight, Brisbane's young guns absorbed the pressure and maintained possession to seal a comfortable victory in front of more than 25,000 Gabba fans.

Harris Andrews and Darcy Gardiner were outstanding in defence, Jarryd Lyons (33 disposals, eight clearances, nine inside 50s) and Lachie Neale (30 disposals, six clearances, eight marks) shone in the midfield while Cam Rayner, Charlie Cameron, Eric Hipwood and Rhys Mathieson all kicked two goals.

As good as they were, Fagan expected Brisbane to keep their feet on the ground.

"They are a pretty level headed group of young men. Each week they are trying to be a better version of themselves," he said.

"That's been the mantra from the first day we started together and will continue to be as long as I am here, no matter where we are on the ladder.

"What the really good footy teams is continue to improve. That's the culture we want to instil in them."