Hawthorn star Tilly Lucas-Rodd says the Hawks have no qualms about finding a relatively unfamiliar venue and opposition as they prepare for their qualifying final against Brisbane on Sunday.

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The Hawks earned hosting rights to their first finals appearance after finishing second, but will play at Ikon Park for the first time in their AFLW history against a Lions team they have not been against tested during the return season.

The clash comes with the added benefit of Hawthorn’s triumph over Brisbane in the $1 million McClelland Trophy which sparked online criticism of the Hawks that Lucas-Rodd said was difficult to avoid reading.

Lions fans and others lashed out at the Hawks online after a second consecutive defeat in the trophy table, despite greater finals success in the club’s men’s and women’s programs.

The Hawks only played three other top eight teams (beating Richmond and Fremantle but losing to Adelaide) as they placed second with a 10-1 record, but Lucas-Rodd was confident their style of play would match to that of the other best contenders.

“You certainly look at social media, and you can’t ignore the comments you get – there are definitely people commenting on Brisbane and how they thought they deserved winners,” Lucas-Rodd said.

“I guess the system is what the AFL created (with the) McClelland Trophy, it’s the home and away season and how many games you win, and we can only focus on that. We have had the chance to get the job done in the men’s and women’s home-and-away season.

“We have confidence in our brand. We know that if we play our best football, it’s good enough to compete with anyone.

“We’ve done it eight weeks in a row, but we haven’t accomplished anything yet because the finals are a crucial moment and they start now.”

Lucas-Rodd will join the ranks of AFLW debut players in reaching 75 career games on Sunday.

The former Hawks captain said it had been a “long journey” after playing 16 games in the first three seasons at Carlton before being written off and given a lifeline to St Kilda.

The Blues’ move made Lucas-Rodd one of the few Hawks with experience at Ikon Park ahead of the Lions game, but they said the larger pitch would suit their fast ball movement.

“We’re talking about expanding the field – we’ve got a lot of good runners in our team and some really good ball users,” Lucas-Rodd said.

“I think playing on a court like Ikon, which is very wide, will suit our game.

“I think you saw that when we played at the GMHBA (stadium) in Geelong – we played a really good brand on that ground because of the size of it, so hopefully we can do the same this weekend- end.”

Lucas-Rodd’s two years as captain ended in August when Emily Bates was voted leader, and they were ousted from Hawthorn’s midfield to midfield as Jasmine Fleming and Mattea Breed were handed more responsibilities under new coach Daniel Webster.

But the 28-year-old averaged a career-high 21 disposals, four marks and 329 m gains during the home-and-away season and said both developments had helped his game.

“I don’t think it affects me in anything other than a positive way. I think I was able to unleash my own game. When you are captain you have a lot of responsibility and you have to focus your energy not only on yourself but on everyone,” Lucas-Rodd said.

“As part of the management group, I guess I still do, but I’ve definitely been able to focus more selfishly on my own football, my brand and what I can bring. I’ve enjoyed taking some time hindsight, I suppose.