A HALF-TIME wake-up call has saved Hawthorn from humiliation at the hands of a polished Carlton, with the reigning premier holding on for a 19-point win at Aurora Stadium on Saturday.
After stretching to a lead of 32 points during Saturday's third quarter, the Hawks ended up winning 10.14 (74) to 7.13 (55).
The result is Hawthorn's 19th straight victory at its adopted Tasmanian home of, but far from its best showing.
Favourite Luke Breust finished with two goals in an effort matched by Jonathon Ceglar, but some of the Hawks' big names kept a low profile.
Shaun Burgoyne was a standout for Hawthorn in the closing phases, finishing with 25 disposals and five inside-50s.
After slow starts, Sam Mitchell and Isaac Smith both contributed.
Overall, it was a lacklustre start for the premiers who were well below their best until half-time, including a goalless second term when they went to the sheds ahead by only six points.
The stats backed the Blues in every regard except precision in front of goal.
Brendon Bolton's men were better organised in defence and well ahead in terms of inside-50s, while Hawthorn's usually valuable contributors were shy.
Patrick Cripps was the star for the Blues, finishing with 31 disposals, 11 clearances and four inside-50s.
He found solid support from Zach Tuohy, Kade Simpson, Matthew Kreuzer and Andrejs Everitt.
The result consolidates Hawthorn's position two wins clear on top of the ladder.
Jordan Lewis won the David Parkin Medal.
HAWTHORN 2.5 2.8 7.11 10.14 (74)
CARLTON 0.4 1.8 5.11 7.13 (55)
GOALS
Hawthorn: Breust 2, Ceglar 2, Duryea, Lewis, Burgoyne, Gunston, Hodge, McEvoy
Carlton: Buckley, Gibbs, Kreuzer, Cripps, Everitt, Silvagni, Sumner
BEST
Hawthorn: Burgoyne, Lewis, Birchall, Gunston
Carlton: Cripps, Tuohy, Gibbs, Simpson, Kreuzer, Curnow
INJURIES
Hawthorn: Nil
Carlton: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Hosking, Chamberlain, Mitchell
Official crowd: 18,112 at Aurora Stadium
