Brisbane Lions’ AFLW win over St Kilda keeps the defending premiers’ top-two hopes alive, but the Hawks hold their destiny in their hands ahead of a vital game against Richmond.

The Lions beat the Saints 10.8 (68) to 6.5 (41) at Moorabbin on Sunday, to finish the regular season on nine wins and two losses.

Needing a win to keep their top-two hopes alive, the Lions made a great start, kicking the first four goals of the game — including two to Taylor Smith — to take a 23-point lead at quarter time.

The second quarter was tighter, as St Kilda started to put more attacks together and raise the pressure on the visitors.

The Saints kicked the only goal of the quarter through Paige Trudgeon, while the Lions had chances but couldn’t take advantage.

They led by 17 points at the half.

The reigning premiers came out after half-time and surged forward with the breeze at their backs, kicking four goals in as many minutes to more than double their lead.

Jesse Wardlaw answered for the Saints, but the Lions kicked two more in the quarter to widen the gap to 47 points at the final change.

But the Saints three-goal-to-none final term might prove costly for Brisbane in more ways than one. 

The 27-point win takes the Lions level on points with Hawthorn, with a percentage of 184.7 compared to the Hawks’ 192.7.

This means that if Hawthorn defeats Richmond, they will take the McClelland Trophy, which is awarded to the best-performing club over the men’s and and women’s regular seasons.

They will also finish second ahead of Brisbane and behind the minor premiers the Kangaroos.

If the Tigers win, however, depending on the margin, then Brisbane could take the club prize, and finish second with Hawthorn third.