The Brisbane Lions’ AFLW victory over St Kilda keeps the reigning premiers’ top two hopes alive, but the Hawks hold their destiny in their hands ahead of a vital match against Richmond.

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

Needing a win to keep their top two hopes alive, the Lions got off to a hot start, scoring the game’s first four goals – including two against Taylor Smith – to take a 23-point lead into quartertime.

The second quarter was tighter, as St Kilda began to organize more attacks and increase the pressure on the visitors.

The Saints scored the only goal of the quarter thanks to Paige Trudgeon, while the Lions had chances but couldn’t capitalize on them.

They led by 17 points at halftime.

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

Jesse Wardlaw responded for the Saints, but the Lions scored two more in the quarter to widen the lead to 47 points at the final change.

But the Saints’ last term, three goals to zero, could prove costly for Brisbane in more ways than one.

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

This means that if Hawthorn beat Richmond, they will win the McClelland Trophy, awarded to the best performing club over the men’s and women’s regular seasons.

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

However, if the Tigers win, depending on the margin, Brisbane could take the club prize and finish second with Hawthorn third.